The main mechanism of<unk>  is the leaking of chyle from the thoracic duct, usually caused by a disturbance affecting the structural integrity of the thoracic duct. For example, placement of a central venous catheter can potentially disrupt drainage of lymph into the subclavian veins, followed by the thoracic duct, resulting in<unk> . The disturbances cause the pressure in the thoracic duct to increase. Soon, collateral channels form, which eventually drain into the thorax. Trauma affecting the thoracic duct is the most common disturbing mechanism. Whether a<unk>  occurs in the left or right pleural space is a consequence of the thoracic duct's anatomic location in the body and depends on the level where the duct was injured. If the thoracic duct is injured above the fifth thoracic vertebra, then a left-sided<unk>  results. Conversely, a thoracic duct injury below that level will lead to the formation of a right-sided<unk> .<unk> es most commonly occur in the right pleural space (50% of cases). Left-sided and bilateral<unk> es are less common and occur in 33% and 17% of cases, respectively. In the case of cancer, invasion into the thoracic duct or collateral lymph channels can obstruct lymph. In the case of mediastinal lymphadenopathy, the enlarged lymph node causes compression of the lymphatic channels and thoracic duct. This impedes the centripetal drainage of the flow of lymph from the edges of the lung parenchyma and pleural surfaces. This causes the chyle to ooze extensively into the pleural cavity, leading to a<unk> . In the case of yellow nail syndrome, or lymphedema,<unk>  is caused by hypoplasia or dilation of the lymph vessels. In rare cases, like in hepatic<unk> , chylous ascites crosses the diaphragm into the pleural cavity. In idiopathic cases like genetic disorders, the mechanism is not known. Up to three liters of chyle can easily drain into the pleural space daily.
Chylothorax
Hemothorax
Urinothorax
Hydropneumothorax
Hemopneumothorax
Hydrothorax
Pneumothorax
Pulmonary hematoma