Lymphoscintigraphy in a case of recurrent chylopericardium

Abstract

Chylopericardium is an uncommon and benign condition in which triglyceride-containing chylous fluid collects in the pericardial cavity at high concentrations. Usually, chylopericardium occurs due to congenital malformation of lymphatic vessels or secondary to any trauma, surgeries, neoplasms, etc. However, if exact aetiology cannot be identified, the condition is referred to as Idiopathic chylopericardium which is a very rare presentation in day-to-day clinical practice. General physical examination, routine blood investigations and various anatomical imaging modalities may give a clue in the diagnosis, however, diagnosis can be challenging as they have a variable presentation. Also, optimal treatment poses greater difficulty as it remains controversial in most cases. We report a 47-year-old gentleman who presented with recurrent chylous pericardial effusion with no history of trauma, thoracic surgeries, cardiac disease and neoplasm in the past. Lymphoscintigraphy confirmed the communication between the lymphatic trunk and the pericardial space. The patient was managed conservatively with pericardial drainage and the patient recovered is doing well at present.

Keywords

• chylopericardium
• spect/ct
• pericardial effusion
• lymphoscintigraphy