Chyliform (pseudochylous) pleural effusion
González, R.; Ramírez-Rivera, J.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 86(7-9): 50-52
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 PMID: 7945652 Document Number: 429226
A chyliform (pseudochylous) effusion is an uncommon disease entity which develops after an exudative effusion is in situ for a long time. It is commonly initiated by a tuberculous pleurisy and it is important to exclude the presence of active tuberculosis. We present a case with the characteristic features. Chylothorax was excluded by demonstrating in the pleural fluid a relatively low level of triglycerides with a cholesterol/triglyceride level of less than one and abundant cholesterol crystals.