Pulmonary Complications

David R. Spielberg, MD, MHSc

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Baylor College of Medicine

Often the pulmonary complications of the lymphatic malformations can manifest as or mimic other common disorders. Lack of response to the usual treatments for these disorders may be a clue to the presence of some other process.

The most significant pulmonary complication in the lymphatic malformations is pleural effusion. This can be chylous (fatty) fluid in GLA or bloody in KLA. The effusions are challenging to manage because they tend to re-accumulate rapidly with drainage. Effusions themselves compress the lungs and can directly reduce lung function.

KLA being particularly aggressive can directly involve lung tissue or airways, which can further complicate managing these patients.