Isolated chylopericardium.
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
Mahon
N G
NG
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Eccles St., Dublin, Ireland.
Nölke
L
L
McCann
H
H
Sugrue
D
D
Hurley
J
J
D000328:Adult; D002913:Chyle; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence