Nontraumatic Chylothorax and Chylopericardium: Diagnosis and Treatment Using an Algorithmic Approach Based on Novel Lymphatic Imaging

RATIONALE Outcomes of interventional lymphangiographic treatment of nontraumatic chylous pleural effusions using traditional approaches have been highly variable. Recent advances in lymphatic imaging have revealed variations in underlying pathophysiology enabling improved targeting of therapeutic interventions. OBJECTIVE To assess outcomes of an algorithm for management of nontraumatic chylous pleural effusions based on advanced MR identification of various abnormalities in the thoracoabdominal lymphatic network that give rise to chylothorax. METHODS Novel lymphatic MR imaging was performed in 52 patients ages 11 to 89 years. Three distinct pathophysiological patterns were found: (1) abnormal pulmonary lymphatic flow from the thoracic duct only; (2) abnormal pulmonary lymphatic flow from retroperitoneal lymphatic networks with or without involvement of the thoracic duct; and (3) chylous ascites presenting as chylous pleural effusion. Lymphatic interventions were individualized to the underlying pathophysiological patterns. RESULTS In 41/52 (79%) patients, imaging revealed abnormal pulmonary lymphatic flow from the thoracic duct and/or retroperitoneal lymphatic networks. Thoracic duct embolization and/or interstitial embolization of retroperitoneal lymphatic resulted in resolution of chylothorax in this group in 38/41 (93%) of those patients. Five patients experienced Grade 1 or 2 complications. One patient succumbed to post-operative stress-induced cardiomyopathy and pulmonary embolism. Chylous ascites was the cause of chylothorax in 11/52 (21%) patients. Eight chose to undergo interventions for chylous ascites with clinical success in 6/8 (75%). CONCLUSIONS Application of MRI-guided intervention algorithm resulted in successful control of non-traumatic chylothorax in 93% patients with abnormal pulmonary lymphatic flow. Appropriate treatment of chylous ascites presenting as a pleural effusion requires systematic evaluation and diagnosis prior to potential treatments.