Pericardial Window for Pseudo-Chylopericardium

This is the case of a young woman with Hodgkin’s lymphoma who developed left pleural and pericardial effusions after chemotherapy. The drained fluid was milky-white in appearance and tested negative for chylomicrons. The cytology was predominantly lymphocytic. This video shows a left VATS procedure for pseudo-chylopericardium and the insertion of an indwelling left pleural catheter through two 10 mm ports.

The most common indications for performing a pericardial window are recurrent malignant and tuberculosis effusions. Chylopericardium is a rare entity and has been reported after cardiac operations, as well as trauma. Pseudo-chylopericardium, which occurs in hypercholestremia, Sjogren syndrome, or in lymphoma, as in this case, is also rarely reported.