Isolated thoracic duct injury from blunt force trauma

Authors

  • Shelby Champion
  • Victor Lam Shin Cheung
  • Daniele Wiseman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v14i9.3977

Keywords:

lymphangiogram, thoracic duct, chylothorax, trauma, lymphatics

Abstract

Isolated thoracic duct injury is an uncommon clinical event and is rare in the setting of trauma. We describe a case of an isolated thoracic duct injury resulting in the development of bilateral chylothorax following a motor vehicle collision in the absence of any other definable injury. We outline the initial patient presentation and diagnosis. After failing a trial of conservative management the patient underwent lymphangiography followed by thoracic duct ligation with pleurodesis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing thoracic duct injury following trauma.

Author Biographies

Shelby Champion

BSc

Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University 

Victor Lam Shin Cheung

MD
Western Radiolgy, London Health Sciences Centre

Daniele Wiseman

MD FRCPC*

Department of Medical Imaging, London Health Sciences Centre

Published

2020-09-26

Issue

Section

Thoracic Radiology