Successful thoracic duct embolisation in a child with recurrent massive pericardial effusion diagnosed as a lymphatic anomaly

Jue Seong Lee, Mi Kyoung Song, Saebeom Hur
Korea University College of Medicine and Korea University Medical Center. Seoul National University Children’s Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital.
Republic of Korea

Cardiology in the Young
Cardiol Young 2020; 30: 571-573
DOI: 10.1017/S1047951120000323

Abstract
A 29-month-old girl had idiopathic massive pericardial effusion for over 6 months. Lymphangiography was performed for chronic and recurrent pericardial effusion and pulmonary lymphangiectasia, suspected based on CT findings. Magnetic resonance lymphangiography revealed chylolymphatic reflux from a tortuously dilated thoracic duct in the mediastinum to the pericardial space, suggesting primary chylopericardium with lymphangiectasia. Pericardial effusion resolved immediately after thoracic duct embolisation at the lower thoracic level. However, pericardial effusion recurred after 5 months, which resolved after additional embolisation of the abnormal lymphatic collateral vessels from the remnant upper thoracic duct. Here, we report an unusual case with chylous massive pericardial effusion diagnosed by magnetic resonance lymphangiography and treated with percutaneous embolisation.

Category
Pulmonary Lymphatic Disease
Surgical and Catheter-mediated Interventions for Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Fresh or Filed Publication: Filed (PHiled). Greater than 1-2 years since publication

Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: No

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