Implantation of a pleurovenous shunt for massive chylothorax in a patient with yellow nail syndrome.

Abstract

Yellow nail syndrome is a type of lymphatic dysplasia syndrome characterised by the triad of yellow nails, lymphoedema, and pleural effusions. The case history is presented of a 70 year old patient with yellow nail syndrome who complained of dyspnoea caused by massive chylothorax. The patient underwent insertion of a pleuroperitoneal shunt which resulted in abdominal distension and deterioration of leg oedema. The pleuroperitoneal shunt was replaced by a pleurovenous shunt on the right side which led to an improvement in the bilateral pleural effusions, abdominal distension, and leg oedema. A pleurovenous shunt may be an alternative rescue therapy for yellow nail syndrome.

• Authors: E Tanaka, K Matsumoto, T Shindo, Y Taguchi
• Journal: Thorax (Thorax) Vol. 60 Issue 3 Pg. 254-5 (Mar 2005) ISSN: 0040-6376 [Print] England
• PMID: 15741446 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Anastomosis, Surgical (methods)
• Catheterization, Central Venous (instrumentation, methods)
• Chylothorax (complications, surgery)
• Drainage (instrumentation, methods)
• Dyspnea (etiology)
• Humans
• Lymphedema (etiology)
• Male
• Nail Diseases (complications)
• Paracentesis (adverse effects)
• Pigmentation Disorders (complications)
• Pleura (surgery)
• Pleural Effusion (etiology)
• Syndrome