Mediastinal lymphoma-induced superior vena cava syndrome and chylopericardium in a pregnant lady: a case report

Abstract

Mediastinal malignancies are a commonly identified etiology in superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS), and despite the known management of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of both, this can prove to be a dilemma during pregnancy. Reported cases of SVCS management during pregnancy are scarce. Chylopericardium is a rare entity with a myriad of causes, the most common of which is a primary idiopathic origin. Initial management depends on the presence or absence of cardiac tamponade. Long-term therapy is a matter of serious debate, with some opting for conservative treatment, and others favoring a more invasive surgical approach. Cases reporting the occurrence of chylopericardium in association with pregnancy are also limited. In this report, we discuss the case of a 28-year-old pregnant woman who had both SVCS and chylopericardium as a result of a mediastinal lymphoma.

Keywords

• chyle
• chylopericardium
• lymphoma
• mediastinum
• pregnancy
• superior vena cava syndrome
• tamponade