VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 2 ( March-April, 2025 ) > List of Articles
Aishwarya Sadashivamurthy, Laxmikant B Sannakki, Raghunath Aladakatti, Pooja Mansingrao Patil
Keywords : Rare case report, Shearing forces, Thoracic duct, Traumatic chyle leak
Citation Information : Sadashivamurthy A, Sannakki LB, Aladakatti R, Patil PM. Hyperextension Injury of Spine Causing Cisterna Chyli Injury: A Rare Case Report of Traumatic Chylous Ascites. 2025; 4 (2):41-43.
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11006-0153
License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Published Online: 25-02-2025
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).
Aim and background: Chylothorax and chylous ascites (CA) are often seen after postoperative damage to the thoracic duct, specifically at the cisterna chyli. However, there are rare traumatic causes of the same. This makes it grueling to diagnose and treat. In the present case, we noticed the abovementioned complication after a hyperextension injury of the spine. We believe that shearing forces have a role to play in this scenario. Nonetheless, timely management of such patients can prevent severe morbidity and untimely mortality. Case description: A 40-year-old male presented with a history of a fall and was diagnosed with a hyperextension injury of the spine. He underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine to confirm the same. His injuries were managed conservatively, and he was discharged. One month later, he presented with progressive abdominal distension and dyspnea, which revealed an unusual diagnosis of CA. Laparotomy confirmed the source of the leak from the cisterna chyli. Conclusion: CA is a rare complication of hyperextension injury of the spine. When ascites or pleural effusion is noted persistently, injury to the thoracic duct or cisterna chyli must be suspected.
© Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.
