A 74-year-old man is admitted to ICU post-oesophagectomy. On day 2, a chest radiograph shows a new large left pleural effusion. Pleural fluid analysis...

Question

A 74-year-old man is admitted to ICU post-oesophagectomy. On day 2, a chest radiograph shows a new large left pleural effusion. Pleural fluid analysis reveals: pH 6.9, glucose 1.5 mmol/L, LDH 2500 U/L, protein 48 g/L, and the fluid appears turbid with food particles. Pleural fluid amylase is 3500 U/L. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Oesophageal anastomotic leak with pleural contamination

Answer

Parapneumonic effusion

Answer

Chylothorax from thoracic duct injury

Answer

Haemothorax from surgical bleeding

Answer

Malignant pleural effusion

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Oesophageal Anastomotic Leak