title: Two cases of chylopericardium after aortic valve surgery.
abstract: Chylopericardium is a rare clinical condition. It is largely idiopathic but could be iatrogenic from breached thoracic duct collaterals or secondary to thoracic duct flow obstruction. We describe 2 patients seen in a single cardiothoracic center within 6 weeks, and detail the clinicopathologic correlation of an unusual complication of cardiac surgery, as well as provide an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of postcardiotomy pericardial chylous effusion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Townsville Hospital, Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Ching Siang
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Chimezie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Uchime
authors.forename: Dong
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kang
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D019091:Critical Pathways; D005260:Female; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Aortic valve; cardiac surgical procedures; chyle; pericardial effusion; postoperative care