Idiopathic Chylopericardium in a Young Adult: Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Primary idiopathic chylopericardium (PIC) is an uncommon cardiologic disorder; it is defined as accumulation of lymph in the pericardial sac without any know precipitating factor. A 25-year-old presented with dyspnea and chest pain for over two months. The patient underwent a chest X-ray, which revealed an enlargement of cardiac silhouette and signs of cardiac tamponade. Chest CT was performed, revealing large pericardial effusion and small pleural effusion on the right hemithorax. The patient was referred to the ICU and underwent a pericardial window through VATS, which revealed 500 ml of a milky fluid.