Authors
Euis Maryani1 , Arrayyan Muhammad2, Ahmad Naufal Alfarisy2 , Rama Nusjirwan1, Navy Laksmono1 , Mounti Martias1 and Prapanca Nugraha3
Affiliations
1Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, 40161 Bandung, Indonesia 2 Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung 40161, Indonesia 3 Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung 40161, Indonesia
Background
• Filariasis is a tropical parasitic disease that can rarely cause chylothorax (accumulation of chylous fluid in the pleural space) due to thoracic duct damage.
• Filariasis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are both rare potential causes of this condition.
Methods
• A 21-year-old woman with SLE presented with shortness of breath.
• Examination and chest X-ray revealed bilateral pleural effusion; filariasis was confirmed via PCR and microscopic examination.
Key Results
• Chylous pleural fluid was surgically evacuated via thoracotomy from both sides of the chest.
• The patient was also treated with bronchodilators, mucolytics, corticosteroids, and anthelminthic medication.
Discussion & Conclusion
• This rare case of bilateral chylothorax caused by Brugia malayi in an SLE patient highlights the importance of considering filariasis in unexplained pleural effusions, especially in endemic regions.
• Early diagnosis and conservative antiparasitic therapy can achieve excellent outcomes without further surgery.
Related SDGs
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – advances awareness and clinical management of neglected tropical diseases (filariasis) in complex, immunocompromised patients.
Journal Information
Journal: Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
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