CHYLOTHORAX AFTER BLUNT CHEST TRAUMA - A REPORT OF 2 CASES

Chylothorax is a rare complication of blunt chest trauma and is associ ated with fracture-dislocation of the thoracic spine in only 20% of th ese cases. Two cases of chylothorax after blunt chest injury are descr ibed in this paper; 1 was related to a fracture of the third thoracic vertebra. Closed chest drainage and total parenteral nutrition led to resolution of the condition within 3 weeks in both cases. In general, traumatic chylothorax should be managed conservatively for at least 4 weeks before surgical intervention is considered.