title: Isolated chylopericardium.
abstract: A 25-year-old male was discovered to have an asymptomatic pericardial effusion during routine pre-employment medical evaluation. During pericardiocentesis 1200 ml of milky-white fluid was obtained; subsequent biochemical evaluation confirmed the chylous nature of this fluid. Following thorough evaluation a diagnosis of isolated chylopericardium was made. Following several recurrences he underwent thoracotomy with ligation of the thoracic duct and creation of a pericardial window. There are relatively few published reports of true isolated chylopericardium and the aetiology and pathogenesis remain unknown. A primary abnormality of the thoracic lymphatic valve system is postulated. The most effective treatment is surgical with ligation of the thoracic duct above the diaphragm and creation of a pericardial window
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Eccles St., Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Mahon
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nölke
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: McCann
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sugrue
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hurley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002913:Chyle; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence