A Unique Case of Bilateral Chylothorax in a Patient Treated with Dasatinib for CML

Abstract

We describe an interesting case of an elderly woman with CML who presented with bilateral recurrent effusion. Pleural fluid analysis revealed lymphocyte predominant exudative pleural fluid negative for malignant cells. She was started on antitubercular medications on an empirical basis with no improvement. On re-evaluation with repeat fluid analysis, the fluid from both sides turned out to be chylothorax. Infectious, malignant causes were ruled out. She was on Dasatinib for 2 years before she developed effusion. A diagnosis of drug-induced effusion was made and the offending drug was withheld. Her effusion cleared and pleurodesis was done bilaterally. She remains clinically and radiologically better on follow-up to date.