Chylothorax is the accumulation of chyle, a milky bodily fluid, in the pleural cavity. This condition results from the disruption of the thoracic duct or its tributaries. The causes of chylothorax can be broadly categorized into traumatic (eg, postsurgical incidents) and nontraumatic conditions, with malignancy being the most common nontraumatic cause. The presence of chyle in the pleural space can lead to respiratory distress, nutritional deficiencies, and immunological issues due to the loss of lymphocytes. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies and fluid analysis to confirm the presence of chyle in the pleural space.Treatment for chylothorax depends on the underlying cause and severity. Options include dietary modifications to reduce chyle production, medications such as somatostatin/octreotide, midodrine, and sirolimus, and various surgical interventions. A staged care plan, progressing from minimally invasive to more invasive techniques, is often beneficial. This activity reviews the current diagnostic techniques and various treatment options for managing chylothorax—ranging from conservative approaches to surgical interventions. This activity highlights the essential role of an interprofessional healthcare team in addressing the challenges faced by them while managing chylothorax, thereby optimizing patient care and outcomes, In addition, this activity also provides healthcare professionals with an in-depth understanding of chylothorax, including its etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management strategies.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/19548
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABTS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABTS)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABTS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABTS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Complex General Surgical Oncology, Critical Care, Critical Care Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Gastroenterology, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, General Thoracic, Geriatric Medicine, GI (incl. Liver, Pancreas, Bilary), Hematology, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatric Surgery, Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary, Mediastinum, Rheumatology, Surgical Critical Care, Surgical Pathology, Vascular Surgery