Chylothorax is characterized by an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity due to damage to the thoracic duct. The aetiology can be traumatic or non-traumatic. Goitre is a rare cause of chylothorax with only eight cases previously described in the literature including only one case causing a bilateral chylothorax. This report describes a patient with bilateral chylothorax secondary to substernal goitre, which was successfully treated, and discusses this very rare case in light of the available literature.
Learning points:
Pleural ultrasound and aspiration is important in bilateral pleural effusions unresponsive to diuretic treatment, or of dubious origin.The aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of a chylothorax are described.Goitre can cause chylothorax by damaging the thoracic duct.