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[Primary and secondary chylopericardium]
Insights
Primary chylopericardium, a rare cause of pericardial effusion, was diagnosed in a young man. Surgical ligation of the thoracic duct and pericardiostomy successfully treated this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Chronic pericardial effusion can be caused by rare conditions like primary chylopericardium.
- Primary chylopericardium is characterized by lymphatic fluid accumulation within the pericardial sac.
Abstract:
Primary chylopericardium proved to be the (rare) cause of chronic, symptom-poor pericardial effusion in a 19-year-old man. Echocardiography and pericardiocentesis provided a firm diagnosis. Lymphography demonstrated extravasation into the mediastinum but no direct connection into the pericardial sac. Ligation of the thoracic duct at diaphragmatic level and pericardiostomy achieved a cure. Secondary chylopericardium requires treatment of the underlying disease, e.g. mediastinal tumor. Chylopericardium after thoracic or cardiac operation without signs of tamponade is preferably treated conservatively by pericardiocentesis and diet.