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Idiopathic Primary Chylopericardium with Associated Chylothorax Following Coronary Artery Surgery—Successful Conservative Treatment
Author(s) -
Sachithanandan Anand,
Nanjaiah Prakash,
Rooney Stephen J.,
Rajesh Pala B.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of cardiac surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.428
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1540-8191
pISSN - 0886-0440
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8191.2007.00521.x
Subject(s) - medicine , chylothorax , surgery , parenteral nutrition , complication , artery , etiology , intercostal arteries , conservative management
A 58‐year‐old Asian male underwent an uneventful triple coronary bypass that included a pedicled left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft. On the third postoperative day, following resumption of full oral intake he developed a high output left‐sided chylothorax. Initial therapy with a medium chain trigylceride diet and intercostal drainage showed no improvement. CT scan demonstrated a chylopericardium that was drained percutaneously. Complete resolution occurred 2 weeks later with adequate drainage and institution of total parenteral nutrition avoiding further surgery. We discuss the etiology and management of this rare complication following coronary surgery.