CHYLOTHORAX AS RARE MANIFESTATION OF PLEURAL INVOLVEMENT IN WALDENSTRÖM MACROGLOBULINEMIA: MECHANISMS AND MANAGEMENT

G Leoncini; CC Campisi; G Fraternali Orcioni; F Patrone; F Ferrando; Carol Campisi

Articles

CHYLOTHORAX AS RARE MANIFESTATION OF PLEURAL INVOLVEMENT IN WALDENSTRÖM MACROGLOBULINEMIA: MECHANISMS AND MANAGEMENT

Authors: G Leoncini ( ) , CC Campisi ( ) , G Fraternali Orcioni ( ) , F Patrone ( ) , F Ferrando ( ) , Carol Campisi ( )

Abstract

Here we report the clinical, pathological, and immunological features of a rare case of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) with pleural infiltrations. An atypical chylothorax, successfully treated by videothoracoscopy, represented the main clinical feature of this case of low-grade lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Pleuropulmonary manifestations are rare (from 0 to 5% of cases) in WM, with chylothorax observed in just seven patients worldwide. In addition to describing this uncommon clinical presentation, we investigate hypothetical pathogenetic mechanisms causing chylothorax and through an up-to-date review of available literature furnish helpful suggestions for diagnosis and management of chylothorax in WM patients.

Keywords: Waldenström macroglobulinemia, chylothorax, thoracic duct, pleural effusion, talc pleurodesis, videothoracoscopy

How to Cite: Leoncini, G. , Campisi, C. , Fraternali Orcioni, G. , Patrone, F. , Ferrando, F. & Campisi, C. (2016) “CHYLOTHORAX AS RARE MANIFESTATION OF PLEURAL INVOLVEMENT IN WALDENSTRÖM MACROGLOBULINEMIA: MECHANISMS AND MANAGEMENT”, Lymphology. 49(4).