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The article discusses a study on the efficacy of thoracic duct embolization (TDE) in the treatment of nontraumatic chylous effusions. This study involved 34 patients with nontraumatic chylous effusions from the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The study shows a high success rate of TDE in cases of thoracic duct occlussion and extravasation. It also shows the importance of lymphangiography in the identification of the cause of chylous effusions.

Historically, congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia (CPL) has had poor treatment outcomes despite aggressive therapy. There are recent reports of ethiodized oil (Lipiodol) lymphangiography successfully treating lymphatic leakage in adults. In this report, we describe two infants with CPL complicated by chylothoraces successfully treated by instillation of ethiodized oil into the lymphatic system. Congenital atresia of the thoracic duct was demonstrated on the lymphangiogram in both patients before treatment. Both patients have shown good short-term outcomes without supplemental oxygen or fat restricted diets at 9 months of age. Ethiodized oil lymphangiography represents a new treatment modality for some patients with CPL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]