Spontaneous chylopericardium in an adult due to mediastinal cystic hygroma

We report a 27-year-old lady with mediastinal cystic hygroma, presenting as spontaneous chylopericardium, who was managed surgically with no recurrence on 18  months follow-up. She was evaluated for complaints of discomfort in the upper abdomen region and breathing difficulty in left lateral position for 4 days, and was found to have a large pericardial effusion with impending tamponade. She underwent pericardiocentesis, and on fluid analysis, it was c onfirmed as chylous pericardial effusion. She was evaluated thoroughly and was taken up for right video-assisted thoracoscopy. The thoracic duct was clipped and a window was created in the pericardium, the cystic hygroma was excised, and pleurodesis was done. The postoperative period was uneventful. Histopathology of the pericardial window showed chronic inflammatory pathology and cystic lesion was confirmed as a chylous cyst.
Source: Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research