Abstract
We report a case of chylopericardium after ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement, which presented as late tamponade. We discuss the various treatment options in this rare condition which can result in serious morbidity or death.
Highlights
We report on the first case of chylopericardium after ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement in an adult patient treated successfully by oral dietary manipulation
Chylopericardium after cardiac surgery is rare and a high index of suspicion is required for its diagnosis
There are various tributaries found in the pericardial reflections and thymic tissues that confluences to the thoracic duct [1,7]
Summary
Its incidence is reported to be between 0.22% to 0.5% [1,2] following paediatric cardiac surgery but is not quantified following cardiac surgery in the adult population. A delay in diagnosis can lead to serious consequences with tamponade and death [3]. Chronic lymph leak can lead to immunosuppresion, hypoproteinemia and malnutrition [3]. There are few reports of chylopericarium in adults following coronary artery bypass surgery and valvular surgery [4,5,6], and these advocate treatment with either total parenteral nutrition or surgical intervention. We report on the first case of chylopericardium after ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement in an adult patient treated successfully by oral dietary manipulation
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