# Use of Octreotide in Chylothorax With Mediastinal Mass of Unknown Behaviour: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 37-year-old woman with chylothorax and a mediastinal mass was successfully treated with octreotide when surgery was not an option.

## Contribution

This case report demonstrates octreotide's effectiveness in managing chylothorax in resource-limited settings.

## Key findings

- Octreotide infusion significantly reduced pleural drainage in a patient with chylothorax.
- The treatment led to complete resolution of chylothorax symptoms.
- Octreotide served as a non-surgical bridge for further diagnostics and treatment planning.

## Abstract

Chylothorax poses a clinical challenge, especially in resource‐limited settings where diagnosis and treatment require innovation. This report details the successful use of octreotide in a 37‐year‐old female with non‐traumatic chylothorax secondary to a mediastinal mass. She presented with chylothorax symptoms, and imaging showed a mediastinal mass, but tissue biopsy was refused, and advanced interventions were unavailable. Octreotide infusion reduced chest tube output and led to the complete resolution of chylothorax. This case demonstrates that octreotide can provide effective symptom control and clinical stabilisation in mediastinal mass‐associated chylothorax when surgical or advanced options are not feasible, serving as a bridge for further workup and treatment planning.

A 37‐year‐old woman with chylothorax and a mediastinal mass of uncertain behaviour had persistent pleural drainage despite initial interventions and unavailable advanced options. Octreotide infusion resulted in a marked reduction of drainage and complete resolution. This case highlights the successful symptom control achieved with octreotide as a non‐surgical intervention in resource‐limited settings, providing time for further diagnostics and treatment planning.