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Chocolate-Colored Pseudochylothorax in a Woman with a History of Pleuropulmonary Tuberculosis.
- Source :
-
American Journal of Case Reports . 6/15/2023, Vol. 24, pe939473-1-e939473-6. 6p. - Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Objective: Rare disease Background: Pseudochylothorax is a rare entity, with only a few hundred case reports worldwide. It presents as a pleural effusion rich in lipids, typically with a cloudy, milky appearance. The diagnosis is made based on the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the pleural fluid. Case Report: This is the case report of a 55-year-old woman with a history of pleuropulmonary tuberculosis that was treated in childhood, with a new infection and treatment in adulthood that evolved to a left pleural effusion. Thirteen years after completing her last treatment for tuberculosis, the patient developed general fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. Computed tomography of the chest confirmed the presence of a pleural collection in the same lo- cation as in adolescence, suggesting a chronic evolution with encystation. The patient underwent ultrasound- guided diagnostic thoracentesis. The collected liquid was thick, chocolate-colored, with the following biochemical characteristics: pH, 7.3; glucose, 37.9 mg/dL; LDL, 2059.8 IU/L; total protein, 8.8 mg/dL; triglycerides, 90 mg/dL; adenosine deaminase, 56 U/L; and cholesterol, 300 mg/dL. The effusion was characterized as a pseudochylo- thorax. The cell count showed 631 000 leukocytes/μL, with 87.9% polymorphonuclear cells. Owing to the pa- tient’s respiratory symptoms, an evacuatory thoracentesis was performed. After the procedure, the patient’s symptoms improved. Conclusions: Although pseudochylothorax is a rare condition, its possibility must always be kept in mind to avoid the haz- ards of misdiagnosis. In addition to the ‘classic’ milky and machine oil appearance, a chocolate-colored appear- ance should also serve as a clue to the diagnosis of pseudochylothorax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 19415923
- Volume :
- 24
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- American Journal of Case Reports
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 164380438
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.12659/AJCR.939473