Articles

DYNAMICS OF PLEURAL FLUID EFFUSION AND CHYLOTHORAX IN THE FETUS AND NEWBORN: ROLE OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Authors
  • C Bellini
  • Z Ergaz
  • F Boccardo
  • T Bellini
  • CC Campisi
  • E Bonioli
  • LA Ramenghi

Abstract

Pleural fluid effusion particularly chylothorax is a relatively rare occurrence in the newborn, but when it occurs it is often life-threatening. In this article, we describe and illustrate the morphologic features of the visceral and parietal pleura including pleural lymphatics and the physiology and pathophysiology of pleural fluid balance. The role and function of the lymphatic system in controlling the volume and composition of pleural liquid are detailed and a conceptual scheme presented. Finally, the crucial role of inadequate lymphatic drainage (either functional overload from an imbalance in Starling forces or mechanical insufficiency from lymphatic dysplasia) is emphasized.

Keywords: perinatal pleural effusions, congenital chylothorax, newborn, hydrops fetalis, lymphatic dysplasia, lymph dynamics, pathophysiology

How to Cite:

Bellini, C. & Ergaz, Z. & Boccardo, F. & Bellini, T. & Campisi, C. & Bonioli, E. & Ramenghi, L., (2013) “DYNAMICS OF PLEURAL FLUID EFFUSION AND CHYLOTHORAX IN THE FETUS AND NEWBORN: ROLE OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM”, Lymphology 46(2), 75-84.

Downloads:
Download PDF

99 Views

96 Downloads

Published on
06 Dec 2013
Peer Reviewed