Idiopathic primary chylopericardium with associated chylothorax following coronary artery surgery--successful
Anand Sachithanandan1, Prakash Nanjaiah, Stephen J Rooney
1Department of Cardio thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
A 58-year-old Asian male underwent an uneventful triple coronary bypass that included a pedicled left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft. On the third postoperative day, following resumption of full oral intake he developed a high output left-sided chylothorax. Initial therapy with a medium chain trigylceride diet and intercostal drainage showed no improvement. CT scan demonstrated a chylopericardium that was drained percutaneously. Complete resolution occurred 2 weeks later with adequate drainage and institution of total parenteral nutrition avoiding further surgery. We discuss the etiology and management of this rare complication following coronary surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

