[A combined mediastinal and retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma as a rare cause of recurrent pleural effusion].

We report on a 71-year-old female patient with spontaneous unilateral recurrent chylothoraces - at first glance with no apparent cause. After performing CT, MRI, lymphatic scintigraphy, and CT-guided biopsy, we were able to establish the diagnosis of a combined mediastinal and retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma. Together with a review of the literature concerning cystic lymphangioma, we also discuss possible differential diagnoses of chylothoraces.