Maria Almeida, Marta Campos, Celia Soares, Cristina Godinho, Maria Brito
Unidade Local de Saúde de Trás-os-Montes e Alto.
Portugal
Cureus
Cureus 2025; 17:
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.90275
Abstract
Congenital chylothorax remains a poorly understood condition, and the optimal approach to its management continues to evolve. Rapid progression of pleural effusion with mediastinal shift and/or development of hydrops fetalis are key indications for urgent fetal intervention to enable thoracic decompression and prevent fetal compromise. We report a case of isolated mild unilateral pleural effusion identified during routine midtrimester ultrasound, successfully managed through close ultrasonographic surveillance and perinatal thoracocentesis performed immediately before delivery to facilitate lung expansion and minimize cardiopulmonary compromise. Prenatal intervention in this context was associated with favorable neonatal outcomes, including improved Apgar scores, reduced ventilator dependence, and fewer complications.
Category
Primary Pulmonary Lymphatic Disease
Surgical and Catheter-mediated Interventions for Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes