Chylothorax after high translumbar aortography.

Abstract

Two patients who had high translumbar aortograms for suspected arterial disease developed shortness of breath 48 hours after aortography and were found to have chylothoraces. Conservative management was initially adopted for both, but surgery had to be resorted to, although the first patient died before arriving in the operating theatre. The literature and the management of this condition are reviewed.