Idiopathic chylothorax in geriatrics: the oldest case report so far

Abstract

Chylothorax is a rare condition characterized by accumulation of chylous fluid in the pleural space resulting in impaired ductus thoracic integrity. It can be an outcome of a traumatic process, although there are a few non-traumatic and/or idiopathic cases in current literature. In this article, we present the oldest case report so for, who is an 87-year-old woman complaining of acute respiratory distress symptoms with pleural effusion having no trauma history. The patient was analyzed for the disease etiology strenuously. Thoracentesis was performed together with imaging modalities and detailed systemic laboratory tests. Non-surgical treatment was successful as the outcome.