Chylothorax in infancy.

Chylothorax was probably first described by Aseli in 1677 (cited by Kirkland, 1965). It can occur neonatally and during infancy, in childhood, and in adult life. In the neonatal period less than 20 cases had been recorded up to 1965 (Kirkland, 1965). These were considered to be due to a congenital defect in the thoracic duct, and in a few to birth trauma, convulsions, or respiratory obstruction. In childhood and adult life, trauma including thoracic operations and extensor injuries of the spine are the usual causes. Less common are neoplasms and inflammatory obstruction. Spontaneous chylothorax in infancy and childhood is rare; only four cases have been reported up to 1965 (Kirkland. 1965).