[Chylopericardium, chylothorax and cystic lymphangioma. Review of the literature apropos of a case]

Abstract

One case of chylopericardium associated with chylopneumothorax is reported. Published data make it clear that the pathogenesis of effusions of chyle is imperfectly known and still highly hypothetical. With the exception of tamponade, there are few pathognomonic and dramatic signs. TM and cross-sectional echography is of paramount importance, since it provides a qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of effusion, the nature of which is determined by chemical analysis. Effusions of chyle may be idiopathic or may developed after oesophago-cardio-pulmonary surgery, or even after blockade of lymphatic vessels or as a result of increased lymphatic flow rate or pressure. Although the course of the disease is usually favourable, infectious or haemodynamic complications (e.g. tamponade or constriction) may aggravate the prognosis. Treatment is exclusively surgical and consists of partial pericardectomy, which is unquestioned. There is no consensus of opinion about simultaneous ligature of the thoracic duct.