Massive chylothorax complicating cirrhosis of the liver.

Chylothorax is an unusual complication of cirrhosis of the liver. This condition is probably underdiagnosed because appropriate tests are not usually done. We describe the case of a 54-year-old man with cirrhosis of the liver and massive chylothorax. Despite chest tube drainage and intensive supportive therapy, there was a fatal outcome. Our case highlights the difficulties in the management of this complication and draws attention to the possible dangers of certain therapeutic procedures.