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Primary idiopathic chylopericardium: a case report

Jian X Tan1, Yalin Fu, Jie Chen

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China.

Cardiology in the Young
|November 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Primary idiopathic chylopericardium, a rare condition, was diagnosed in a child presenting with respiratory symptoms. Treatment involved thoracic duct ligation and pericardial window creation after initial drainage failed.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Rare Diseases

Background:

  • Primary idiopathic chylopericardium is an exceptionally rare condition, especially in pediatric patients.
  • It involves the accumulation of chyle within the pericardial sac.

Observation:

  • A 5-year-old boy presented with cough and dyspnea.
  • Clinical signs included chest wall bulging and diminished heart sounds, indicative of pericardial effusion.
  • Chest computed tomography confirmed the pericardial effusion's presence.

Findings:

  • Pericardial fluid analysis confirmed chylopericardium.
  • Initial management with continuous catheter drainage proved unsuccessful.
  • Surgical intervention, including thoracoscopic ligation of the thoracic duct and pericardial window creation, was ultimately performed.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a successful surgical approach for refractory pediatric chylopericardium.
  • It underscores the importance of considering surgical options when conservative management fails.
  • The report contributes to the limited literature on managing this rare pediatric condition.

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