Is a type of pleural effusion.
Chyle is a milky looking fluid that contains lymphatic fluid and fat and is produced in the small intestine during digestion. Chyle is carried around the body by the lymphatic vessels of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system carries fluid, fats, protein, and cells that fight infection around the body. Lymphatic fluid begins in the circulatory system. Chyle is transported through the lymphatic system and eventually drains into the thoracic duct, a large lymphatic vessel found on the left side of the torso. Within the villi of the small intestine fatty acids are blended with proteins and cholesterol to form chylomicrons. A chyle fistula is a leakage of lymphatic fluid from the lymphatic vessels, typically accumulating in the thoracic or abdominal cavities, possibly leading to a chylothorax or chylous ascites, respectively. Treatment of a chyle fistula relies on ligation of the duct. Chyle: A fluid consisting of a mixture of lymphatic fluid (lymph) and chylomicrons that has a milky appearance. Chylomicrons are small fat globules composed of protein and lipid (fat) which are combined in the lining of the intestine. Chyle Fistula. Chyle fistula is defined as a leakage of lymphatic fluid from the lymphatic vessels, typically accumulating in the thoracic or abdominal cavities, but occasionally manifesting as an external fistula. Chyle fistula is a rare but potentially devastating and morbid condition. A chylothorax (or chyle leak) is a type of pleural effusion. It results from lymph formed in the digestive system called chyle accumulating in the pleural cavity due to either disruption or obstruction of the thoracic duct.
http://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/nutrition/536.pdf http://www.wisegeekhealth.com/what-is-chyle.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chyle http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11436 http://www.medicalgeek.com/lecture-notes/6632-chyle-fistula-print.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chylothorax
what is chyle leak