Idiopathic Primary Chylopericardium

Introduction

Chylopericardium is a rare entity, defined by the accumulation of chyle in the pericardial space, characterized by a high concentration of triglycerides and lymphocyte predominance. It was first described in 1954, and since then, this condition has remained infrequent, with most evidence coming from case reports and small series, which hinders early recognition and standardization of management.

The main causes include congenital lymphangiectasia, iatrogenic injury after cardiac or thoracic surgery, neoplasms, trauma, infection, radiation, pulmonary hypertension, subclavian vein thrombosis, and primary or idiopathic causes. Primary chylopericardium has a variable incidence in the literature and is a diagnosis of exclusion.

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