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Spontaneous chylous cardiac tamponade: a case report
Nikolaos Barbetakis1, Christos Asteriou, Dimitrios Konstantinou
1Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Theagenio Cancer Hospital, Al, Symeonidi 2, Thessaloniki, Greece, 54007. nibarbet@yahoo.gr
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
|March 19, 2010
Summary
Chylous cardiac tamponade, a rare condition, was successfully treated in a patient with spinal injury. Thoracic duct ligation and pericardial window formation via endoscopic surgery offered a complete cure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Chylous cardiac tamponade is a rare clinical entity.
- The etiology of chylous pericardial effusion is often unknown.
Observation:
- A case is presented of a healthy woman experiencing dyspnea and palpitations.
- She had a history of spinal injury involving flexion-hyperextension.
- Diagnostic evaluation revealed chylous pericardial effusion and a disrupted anterior longitudinal spinal ligament.
Findings:
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed.
- The procedure included supradiaphragmatic ligation of the thoracic duct and pericardial window formation.
- The patient experienced a complete cure.
Implications:
- Endoscopic surgery provides a safe and effective treatment for chylous pericardial effusion.
- This case highlights a potential link between spinal trauma and chylous cardiac tamponade.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
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