[Chylothorax associated with sarcoidosis].

Chylothorax with bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphomas has been observed in a 27-year-old patient. Further clinical investigations revealed sarcoidosis with involvement of the mediastinal lymphnodes, the bronchial mucosa and the pleural mesothelium. It is suggested that the chylothorax is a complication of sarcoidosis, although pleural effusions of chylus have thus far been reported only in traumatic or malignant diseases of the mediastinum. The pathogenesis was unclear until exploration of the pleural space by thoracoscopy showed an intact and unaffected thoracic duct. During longterm treatment with corticosteroids, supported by several pleural drainages, the chylothorax and other concomitant symptoms gradually regressed.