Journal of Neonatal Biology

Abstract

Recurrent Congenital Chylothorax: A Case Report

Diana Martins, Rui Marques De Carvalho, Miguel Branco, Maria Antonieta Melo and Luis Mendes Da Graça

We report a case of fetal chylothorax and hydrops. Chylothorax is a very rare condition, occurring in approximately 1 in 10000-15000 pregnancies, with an overall mortality rate of 25% to 50%. It is the most common form of pleural effusion in the prenatal period. Available treatments include thoracocentesis, pleuro-amniotic shunting and pleurodesis and the optimal antenatal management and timing are still controversial. We report a case diagnosed at 30 weeks' gestation that was submitted to bilateral pleural-amniotic shunt, but turned in to increased bilateral pleural effusion, generalized hydrops and polyhydramnios. Attempted intervention allowed to achieve good obstetric outcome No etiology was found, revealing the diagnostic challenge this entity can be.