Recurrent symptomatic chylopericardium after cardiac surgery in a child

Pediatr Cardiol. 2008 May;29(3):683-5. doi: 10.1007/s00246-007-9125-8. Epub 2007 Oct 3.

Abstract

Chylopericardium is a rare complication after cardiac surgery in children. We report a case of a recurrent chylopericardium complicating postoperative course in a 4-month-old child. Chylopericardium occurred after two separate operations 6 months apart. On both occasions, symptomatic cardiac tamponade required pericardial drainage. Differentiation of chylopericardium from simple postoperative pericardial effusion can be difficult. When chylopericardium is strongly suspected from previous history and patient background, prompt treatment, including pericardial drainage and dietary treatment, is warranted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology
  • Cardiac Tamponade / therapy*
  • Chyle*
  • Drainage
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology*
  • Pericardial Effusion / therapy
  • Recurrence