Idiopathic chylopericardium in pregnancy is extremely rare and poses difficulties in both decision-making and timing of surgery. A young lady who was 24-weeks pregnant presented with chylopericardium and increasing shortness of breath. Repeated nonsurgical interventions failed to resolve her pathology. She underwent thoracoscopic pericardial window formation and thoracic duct ligation, and made a satisfactory recovery.
Keywords: Chyle; Pericardial effusion; Pericardiocentesis; Pregnancy; Pregnancy complications; Thoracic surgical procedures; cardiovascular.
© The Author(s) 2016.