Unilateral pedal lymphangiography with non-contrast computerized tomography is valuable in the location and treatment decision of idiopathic chylothorax

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To identify the value of unilateral pedal lymphangiography (LAG) with non-contrast CT in the location and treatment decision of idiopathic chylothorax after failure of thoracic duct ligation. Materials and Methods Twenty four patients aged 9–84 year old (median 44 yr) who had idiopathic chylothorax were involved, and unilateral pedal LAG with non-contrast CT was performed in every patient. All patients failed to previous right supra-diaphragmatic thoracic duct ligation. Results The amount of iodized oil used was 6–14 ml with no related complications. LAG demonstrated 8 patients with thoracic duct leaks and 10 patients with leaks elsewhere, but no visible chylous leak in 6 patients. Ligation of thoracic duct was performed as the primary treatment in all 8 cases as having thoracic duct leakage and cured 7(87.5%) patients. For 8 patients not having thoracic duct lesion under LAG, the successful rate of thoracic duct ligation was 25% (2 out of 8 patients), which was significantly lower than patients due to thoracic duct lesions (P = 0.02). Meanwhile, non-operative therapy had significantly higher successful rate (87.5% vs 25%, P = 0.02). Conclusions Unilateral pedal LAG with non-contrast CT could identify the causes and locate the leaks of idiopathic chylothorax in 75% of patients after failure of thoracic duct ligation. Two thirds of patients were found not to have thoracic duct leakage and would be better managed by non-operative treatment.