Chylothorax as a rare complication of COVID-19: a case report

Chylothorax is an uncommon cause of pleural effusion, most often associated with malignancy, trauma, or thoracic duct obstruction. Its occurrence following SARS-CoV-2 infection is exceptional. The present case report describes a 53-year-old woman who was admitted to the pneumology department complaining of chronic dry cough with a medical history of type II diabetes and SARS-CoV-2 infection one month ago. Physical examination revealed decreased vesicular breath sounds at the left lung base. A chest X-ray revealed a left pleural effusion and thoracentesis confirmed chylothorax. This case highlights chylothorax as a rare but possible complication of COVID-19, potentially caused by inflammation and thoracic duct disruption in the absence of thrombosis. It emphasizes the importance of considering chylothorax in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pleural effusions following SARS-CoV-2 infection.