Author/Authors :
Alam, Amit Division of Cardiology - Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA , Hou, Linle Division of Cardiology - Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, USA , James, Dreamy Division of Cardiology - Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ, USA , Mody, Kanika Division of Cardiology - Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA , Iyer, Deepa Division of Cardiology - Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, USA , Ghaly, Aziz Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery - Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, USA , Almendral, Jesus Division of Cardiology - Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ, USA
Abstract :
Chylothorax is an exceedingly rare but serious complication of orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Prompt diagnosis and
appropriate management are essential for a good outcome. Management is similar to that of nontransplant patients, but special
attention must be given to patients’ nutritional and immunological status. Relevant literature on this topic is limited. We
describe our experience in the management of chylothorax after OHT and provide a summary of reported cases of this
complication after isolated heart and combined heart/lung transplant.
