Transudative Chylothorax Associated With Sclerosing Mesenteritis

Abstract

Transudative chylothorax is an uncommon type of chylous pleural effusion, typically secondary to chyle leak and a coexisting disorder such as heart failure or liver cirrhosis. Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare inflammatory disease of the small bowel mesentery, and has once previously been reported as a cause of chylothorax. We present the case of an 81-year-old man with a right-side transudative chylothorax associated with congestive heart failure and sclerosing mesenteritis. We discuss potential mechanisms.