The Diagnostic Value of CT Lymphangiography about Chylothorax of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Objective: To explore the diagnosis value of CT lymphangiography(CTL) about chylothorax of lymphangioleiomyomatosis(LAM). Methods: A retrospective review of the clinical and radiological data of 38 LAM and 172 non-LAM-chylothorax patients. The distribution and pattern of chylothorax and in CTL were analyzed by 2 doctors. Results: 36 LAM accompanied with chylothorax. There is no difference between LAM and primary chylothorax about the distribution of chylothorax. There is difference between LAM and secondary chylothorax about the distribution of chylothorax. Secondary chylothorax is usually bilateral. The common pleura pattern of LAM chylothorax is no-manifestation, whereas visceral pleura pattern is common in primary and secondary chylothorax. Conclusions: CTL can display the pattern of chylothorax for LAM, which suggests that abnormality of thoracic duct extremity or high pressure of abdominal lymphatic vessel maybe the etiopathogenisis of chylothorax for LAM, which provides information to therapy chylothorax of LAM.