Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2012; 60(S 02): e25-e27
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1326777
Thoracic Surgery
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Recurrent Chylous Pericardial Effusion and Left Neck Mass

Denis Gilmore
1   Department of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
,
Yolonda L. Colson
1   Department of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

06 May 2012

08 July 2012

Publication Date:
19 November 2012 (online)

Abstract

We present a case of a woman initially presenting with a neck mass and subsequently found to have generalized lymphatic anomaly with diffuse lymphatic dilation and proliferation involving the mediastinum and pericardium. Intrathoracic involvement of generalized lymphatic anomalies can lead to recurrent pleural effusions, pericardial effusions, and severe respiratory infections. These anomalies cannot be cured and significantly impact quality of life. Multidisciplinary involvement is crucial to maximize symptom relief as surgery to remove lymphatics can be morbid and the disease is usually recurrent.

 
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