PRIMARY CHYLOPERICARDIUM

To evaluate the surgical treatment of primary chylopericardium, 2 cases of primary chylopericardium are described and previous case reports are reviewed. Enhanced computed tomography combined with lymphangiography is a very reliable diagnostic tool for identifying abnormalities of the thoracic duct and its lymphatic channels connecting to the pericardium. When the course of the thoracic duct was identified exactly, ligation and resection of the thoracic duct with establishment of a pericardial window proved to be the most effective surgical procedure. Because the thoracic duct and the pericardium can be exposed easily, left thoracotomy seems to be the most preferable approach for the operation.