CONGENITAL CHYLOTHORAX

Congenital chylothorax is a rare condition in which chyle accumulates in the pleural space because of an intrauterine obstruction or anomali es of the thoracic duct. This paper presents a case of congenital chyl othorax diagnosed antepartum echographically. The patient's history re vealed a previous sibling with a similar diagnosis. The baby developed respiratory distress after delivery and the diagnosis was established by thorscentesis. Computed tomography of the chest and nuclear lympha ngiography were obtained to evaluate the origin of the pleural effusio n, but a congenital fistula or other pathology of the thoracic duct co uld not he demonstrated. Management of the baby consisted of ventilato ry support in the delivery room, repeated thoracentesis and thoracosto my tube drainage, total parenteral nutrition and formula containing me dium-chain triglycerides. The infant was discharged six weeks after bi rth in good condition.