Right chylothorax following right internal jugular vein cannulation

Iatrogenic chylothorax, a rare but serious complication, can occur after central venous catheter (CVC) placement. It is usually linked to left internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation due to the anatomical location of the thoracic duct. However, right IJV cannulation has also been reported to cause chylothorax. We present a case of a man in his early 50s who developed a right-sided chylothorax after right IJV cannulation. Analysis of the pleural fluid confirmed the diagnosis, showing high triglyceride levels (271 mg/dL). The condition improved quickly after draining the fluid with a pigtail catheter and removing the CVC.