Traumatic Chylothorax Following Pulmonary Segmentectomy: A Case Report and Review of Postoperative Investigation and Management.

The incidence of iatrogenic traumatic chylothorax is on the rise secondary to the preferred use of minimally invasive thoracic surgery over thoracotomy. Most reported causes of chylothorax occur following pneumonectomy or lobectomy. There have been no reported cases of traumatic chylothorax following segmentectomy according to our literature review. Complications following lung resection typically include pneumonia, atelectasis, or prolonged air leak. Here, we present a rare case of postoperative chylothorax following minimally invasive segmentectomy to diagnose an enlarging singular pulmonary nodule. This condition was diagnosed with fluid analysis after CT imaging revealed a postoperative unilateral pleural effusion. Interestingly, the patient had a loculated pleural effusion that mimicked a pericardial effusion and empyema. Our patient was managed conservatively with a low-fat diet and short-term pleural drainage without the need for repeat surgical intervention. The importance of imaging interpretation following lung resection along with a working differential diagnosis, appropriate examination, and testing can assist with the diagnosis of this known, but rare, postoperative complication.

Cells Gone Wild: A Case Report on Missed Acute Leukemia and Subsequent Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in the Emergency Department.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency physicians must maintain a broad differential when seeing patients in the emergency department (ED). Occasionally, a patient may have an undiagnosed, life-threatening medical condition not related to the presenting chief complaint. It is imperative to review all ordered laboratory tests and any available previous laboratory values to assess for any abnormalities that may warrant further evaluation. CASE REPORT: This case report is regarding the missed diagnosis of acute leukemia and subsequent disseminated intravascular coagulation in a 27-year-old male who presented to multiple EDs with the unrelated chief complaint of finger ring entrapment. This patient ultimately succumbed to his illness. CONCLUSION: When evaluating patients in the ED, it is important to review any prior available test results for abnormalities, even if the results do not specifically correlate with the chief complaint. Emergency physicians must remain vigilant to avoid missing a critical diagnosis.