Chylothorax in rhesus monkeys with intravenous catheters.

Chylothorax associated with the use of indwelling intravenous catheters was diagnosed in 13 Macaca mulatta. Clinical signs were marked respiratory embarrassment or sudden death. Lesions at necropsy included large quantities of sterile pleural fluid, pulmonary atelectasis and chronic fibrinous pleuritis. Lipid was present in the effusion and in tissue sections of visceral pleura.