Primary idiopathic chylopericardium presenting with cardiac tamponade

• DOI: 10.1007/s00059-013-3875-2
• Publication Date: 2014-08-21T10:11:41Z
• Authors: C. Karakurt; S.F. Çelik; R.M. Çelik; Ö. Elkiran; H. Ulutaş; A. Kuzucu
• Keywords: Male; Pericardiocentesis; Pericardial Effusion; Cardiac Tamponade; Thoracic Duct; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Echocardiography; Recurrence; Child, Preschool; Humans; Ligation

Primary idiopathic chylopericardium is an extremely rare condition especially in children and young adults. Although the exact pathophysiology of primary chylopericardium has not been established, the reflux of chylous fluid into the pericardial space was suggested as the etiology. Damage to the thoracic duct valves and the communication of the thoracic duct to the pericardial lymphatics or abnormally elevated pressure in the thoracic duct could cause chylous fluid reflux. In this report, we described the case of a 4-year-old boy with primary idiopathic chylopericardium presenting as cardiac tamponade who was treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic window and then surgical duct ligation.