Chylous Pericardium (Chylopericardium)
What is chylous pericardium?
Chylous pericardium is a rare condition in which lymphatic fluid leaks into the space around the heart. When this fluid builds up, it can compress the heart and lead to poor heart function.
Chylous pericardium is a lymphatic flow disorder. This group of diseases is characterized by abnormal circulation of lymph fluid.
Lymph vessels carry lymph fluid to veins, where it returns to the bloodstream. The fluid plays a crucial role in immune function and fat and protein transport. When something disrupts or damages normal lymphatic flow, it can cause leakage of lymphatic fluid into the pericardium, chest, abdomen or other body cavities.
Why Choose Us?
The Center for Lymphatic Imaging and Interventions at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides highly specialized care for children and adults with lymphatic leaks and lymphatic flow disorders.
Why Choose the Center for Lymphatic Imaging and Interventions
Treatment for chylous pericardium
Treatment of chylous pericardium depends on its cause. At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, patients are treated by a team of experts who specialize in lymphatic imaging and interventions through the Center for Lymphatic Imaging and Interventions. The team will determine the best treatment approach for each patient’s condition.
When lymphatic imaging is able to demonstrate the source of the leak leading to chylous pericardium, it can be sealed using an embolization procedure.