ABSTRACT
Tachypnea, dyspnea, retraction of chest and cyanosis mark the onset of chylothorax, with dullness and diminution of breath sounds on the affected side and displacement of the heart and mediastinum to the opposite side. In cases of congenital chylothorax, symptoms of respiratory distress may be noted shortly after birth or at any time up to 2 weeks of life. In contrast, the interval between surgery and the occurrence of acquired chylothorax can vary from 1-25 days. The time is shortest when there is a direct injury to the duct (5-7 days) and longest when there is high pressure or thrombosis of the vena cava (10-14 days). Chyle may accumulate in the mediastinum for several days before extravasating into the pleural space.
