Postmastectomy/Axillary Node Dissection Chyloma: The Additional Value of SPECT/CT Lymphoscintigraphy

• Published in: Journal of breast cancer Vol. 17; no. 3; pp. 291 - 294
• Main Authors: Thang, Sue Ping, Tong, Aaron Kian Ti, Ng, David Chee Eng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Breast Cancer Society 01-09-2014; 한국유방암학회
• Subjects: Case Report; 일반외과학; Breast neoplasms; Single-photon emission-computed tomography; Chyle; Lymphoscintigraphy
• ISSN: 1738-6756; 2092-9900
• DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2014.17.3.291

After mastectomy and axillary node dissection, chylous leakage is rare. However, considerable anatomical variation in the termination of the thoracic duct has been reported. Hence, during breast surgery, injury to the lateral terminating branch is not unlikely and might lead to retrograde chyle leak. Herein, we describe a patient who had a chylous leakage at her wound site after a left simple mastectomy and axillary node dissection and for whom lymphoscintigraphy with Tc-99m albumin nanocolloid was performed. In this case, additional hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography study was done, and has helped with the accurate identification of the chyle leakage site, thus aiding in surgical management.