Mahon N G, Nölke L, McCann H, Sugrue D, Hurley J
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Eccles St., Dublin, Ireland.
Surgeon. 2003 Aug;1(4):236-8. doi: 10.1016/s1479-666x(03)80024-0.
A 25-year-old male was discovered to have an asymptomatic pericardial effusion during routine pre-employment medical evaluation. During pericardiocentesis 1200 ml of milky-white fluid was obtained; subsequent biochemical evaluation confirmed the chylous nature of this fluid. Following thorough evaluation a diagnosis of isolated chylopericardium was made. Following several recurrences he underwent thoracotomy with ligation of the thoracic duct and creation of a pericardial window. There are relatively few published reports of true isolated chylopericardium and the aetiology and pathogenesis remain unknown. A primary abnormality of the thoracic lymphatic valve system is postulated. The most effective treatment is surgical with ligation of the thoracic duct above the diaphragm and creation of a pericardial window
