Detection of Chyle Leakage Site With Lymphoscintigraphy SPECT/CT in a Patient With Chylothorax Secondary to T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia

We present a pediatric case with T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia and persistent chylothorax who was referred to lymphoscintigraphy to identify the site of leakage. Planar lymphoscintigraphy with SPECT/CT revealed hot spots at the left jugulovenous angle and the confluens of the vena brachiocephalica to vena cava, which were compatible with the sites of leakage. Hybrid imaging with SPECT/CT technique have great impact on accurate detection of the defects in the lymphatic system in patients with chylothorax.

Automated summary

We report a pediatric case of T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia with persistent chylothorax who underwent lymphoscintigraphy to identify the site of leakage. Planar lymphoscintigraphy with SPECT/CT revealed hot spots at the left jugulovenous angle and the confluens of the vena brachiocephalica to vena cava, which were consistent with the sites of leakage. Hybrid imaging with SPECT/CT technique has a significant impact on accurately detecting lymphatic system defects in patients with chylothorax.