CHYLOTHORAX COMPLICATING BRONCHOGENIC CARCINOMA

Although chylothorax has been recognised since the seventeenth century, it is still a rare enough entity to be viewed by most physicians as a clinical curiosity. In a historical review by Jahsman1, Bartolet is credited with the initial description of chylothorax in 1633 and Quincke reported the first case in 1875. Majority of cases of chylothorax are due to obstruction or rupture of the thoracic duct. We present a case of chylothorax complicating bronchogenic carcinoma, a rare association, which prompted us to report this case. Case Report A 50-year-old female was admitted with complaints of cough and general debility of 7 months duration and progressively increasing dyspnoea and swelling of face for the last 1 month. She also complained of loss of weight and diminished appetite. There was no history of fever, haemoptysis or hoarseness of voice. Past history for any chest trauma or operative procedure was negative. Physical examination revealed a dysponoeic lady with respiratory rate of 44/min, pulse rate 120/min, B.P. 110/80 mm Hg. Her face was suffused and dilated tortuous veins with reversal of blood flow were seen all over ches