Aggressive Management of a Bilateral Chylothorax Complicating an Orthotopic Heart-Kidney Transplantation

Braz J Cardiovasc Surg. 2023 Oct 6;38(6):e20230041. doi: 10.21470/1678-9741-2023-0041.

Abstract

Chylothorax after an orthotopic heart transplant is a rare but potentially detrimental occurrence. This is the first reported case of bilateral chylothorax complicating a heart-kidney transplant patient. No universally accepted protocol exists for the management of chylothorax in general population, let alone the immunocompromised transplant patient. This case presents unique challenges to the management of postoperative chylothorax given heart-kidney transplant's effect on the patient's volume status and immunocompromised state. We make the argument for aggressive treatment of chylothorax in an immunocompromised heart-kidney transplant patient to limit complications in a patient population predisposed to infection.

Keywords: Chylothorax; Heart Transplantation; Kidney; Kidney Transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chylothorax* / diagnostic imaging
  • Chylothorax* / etiology
  • Chylothorax* / surgery
  • Heart Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Transplants*