Isolated chylopericardium: A rare complication postpediatric cardiac surgery: A case report

Abstract

Common complications following congenital cardiac surgery include pleural effusion, excessive bleeding, cardiac arrest, and systemic infections. Chylopericardium, however, is very rare. Our patient experienced exertional dyspnea, 1 month after undergoing a bidirectional Glenn shunt with one and a half ventricular repair. A two-dimensional echocardiogram revealed cardiac tamponade without any sign of pleural effusion, necessitating emergency pericardiocentesis. Analysis of the drained fluid confirmed its biochemical composition consistent with chyle. Despite 2 weeks of pericardial drainage and optimal medical management, the chylopericardium persisted. Ultimately, the child required corrective surgery which involved thoracic duct ligation and creation of pleuropericardial window.

Keywords

• bidirectional glenn shunt
• chylopericardium
• congenital cardiac surgery