A Case of Isolated Chylopericardium Following Operation for Lung Cancer

Abstract

A 63-year-old man underwent right upper lobectomy for lung cancer. Two months later he suffered from increasing fatigue and dyspnea. Chest radiography showed an enlarged cardiac silhouette and echocardiography showed a large pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis yielded 770ml of milky fluid.Laboratory analysis of the fluid disclosed a high concentration of triglyceride (1288mg/ml), confirming the diagnosis of chylopericardium. The patient was treated with pericardial drainage, severe restriction of fat intake and intravenous injection of Blood coagulation factor El (Fibrogammin^®). Consequently, pericardial effusion reduced dramatically. He recovered uneventfully and there has been no evidence of recurrence during a 3-year follow-up period.