[Successful conservative therapy of chylopericardium after coronary artery by-pass grafting]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2012 Jun 18;174(25):1743-4.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Chylopericardium after thoracic duct injury is a rare but serious complication of thoracic surgery with mortality rates above 50% without intervention. Complications of chylopericardium are malnutrition, immunosuppression, electrolyte derangement and tamponade. This case describes a 67-year-old male who developed chylopericardium after coronary artery by-pass grafting and was successfully treated with conservative therapy consisting of pericardiocentesis and a low fat diet. If conservative therapy fails, thoracic surgery is almost always effective.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Coronary Artery Bypass / adverse effects*
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pericardial Effusion / diagnosis
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology
  • Pericardial Effusion / therapy*
  • Pericardiocentesis
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy