chylothorax

A chylothorax is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the space surrounding the lung (pleural space). Lymph formed in the digestive system is called chyle and accumulates in the pleural space due to either disruption or obstruction of the thoracic duct. In people on a normal diet, this fluid collection can sometimes be identified by its turbid, milky white appearance, since chyle contains triglycerides. It is important to distinguish a chylothorax from a pseudochylothorax (a fluid collection in ...