Usefulness of lymphography and computed tomography for detecting the site of chyle leakage

Chylothorax is a rare but serious complication following aortic surgery. Our patient was a 68-year-old man who underwent descending aortic replacement for a chronic dissected aortic aneurysm and in whom chylothorax postoperatively developed due to a thoracic duct injury. Although adequate medical treatment was immediately initiated at diagnosis, chyle leakage persisted. Lipiodol lymphography followed by computed tomography showed the accurate site of the leakage. Surgical repair was performed via a repeat thoracotomy with smaller incision. We were able to detect the laceration of the thoracic duct. The patient recovered and was uneventfully discharged.