How Do You Spell CHYLOTHORAX?

1. Chylothorax is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of chyle in the thoracic cavity, specifically in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. Chyle is a milky fluid composed of lymph and dietary fat substances, which is normally transported through the lymphatic system. Chylothorax occurs when the thoracic duct, the main channel for chyle transport, is damaged or obstructed, leading to the leakage of chyle into the pleural space.

   The accumulation of chyle in the thoracic cavity can result in symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, and weight loss. The condition may arise from various causes, including trauma or injury to the chest, malignancies, infections, or congenital abnormalities in the lymphatic system. Chylothorax can also be a complication of surgical procedures involving the lymphatic system in the chest or abdominal area.

   Diagnosis of chylothorax typically involves imaging studies, such as chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans, which can reveal the presence of chyle in the pleural space. Additionally, fluid analysis obtained through thoracentesis, a procedure that involves removing fluid from the pleural cavity, can confirm the presence of chyle and help identify the underlying cause.

   Treatment for chylothorax aims to alleviate symptoms, repair the underlying cause, and manage the accumulation of chyle. Conservative measures may include dietary modifications low in fat content, use of diuretics to reduce fluid build-up, and chest drainage to remove excess chyle. In more severe cases or when conservative measures fail, surgical interventions such as thoracic duct ligation or bypass may be required to divert or address the chyle leak.

2. Chylopleura.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CHYLOTHORAX

The word "chylothorax" derives from two Greek roots: "chylo-" and "thorax".

1. "Chylo-" refers to chyle, a milky fluid comprised of lymph and digested fats. Chyle is formed in the small intestine during digestion and is eventually absorbed into the lymphatic system.

2. "Thorax" is an anatomical term referring to the chest or the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, enclosed by the ribs.

So, the term "chylothorax" essentially means "chyle in the thorax", describing a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of chyle in the pleural cavity (the space surrounding the lungs) due to leakage or disruption of the thoracic duct.