Chylous effusion is a complication most frequently seen in the iatrogenic setting secondary to thoracic surgery or other intervention. Management of this complication includes conservative measures, surgical exploration/ligation, and percutaneous thoracic duct embolization. This case presents a medically complex patient with persistent chylous effusions after thoracoscopic resection of a fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and Cu 64 DOTATATE-avid retrocrural lymph node. Initial conventional fluoroscopic lymphangiogram and thoracic duct embolization were unsuccessful. Subsequent magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) more accurately localized the leak which was then marked with computed tomography-guided needle placement before conversion to fluoroscopically guided embolization. This case demonstrates the utility of MRL as a problem-solving tool for localizing hard-to-treat lymphatic leaks. MRL localized embolization is a safe and effective treatment for lymphatic leaks.
Nowicki et al. (Wed,) studied this question.