title: Retrograde cannulation of the thoracic duct and embolization of the cisterna chyli in the treatment of chylous ascites.
abstract: The authors offer a previously undescribed technique for cisterna chyli embolization in the treatment of chylous ascites. After the failure of conventional percutaneous direct cisterna chyli cannulation, the authors accessed the thoracic duct directly from the subclavian vein. Retrograde microcatheter access through the thoracic duct enabled embolization of the cisterna chyli. Embolization materials included fibered endovascular coils, gelatin sponge, and doxycycline. The patient's symptoms returned 10 days after embolization. This technique provided short-term success in the treatment of the patient's chylous ascites.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Section of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102, USA.
authors.forename: Derek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mittleider
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Dykes
authors.forename: Kenneth P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Cicuto
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Amberson
authors.forename: Charles R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Leusner
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D002915:Chylous Ascites / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008220:Lymphography; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013897:Thoracic Duct