A Case of Congenital Lymphedema Complicated by Chronic Chylous Effusions and Recurrent Pericardial Effusion Requiring Pericardial Window

Abstract

We are presenting a case of primary lymphedema (PL) complicated with a repeated need for thoracentesis and pericardiocentesis. Our patient is a 24-year-old male with primary lymphedema that is manifested in the left hand and right lower limb. The patient presented to the emergency department (ED) for recurrent right lower lobe cellulitis that had failed repeated attempts with outpatient antibiotic therapy. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit due to signs of cardiac tamponade that were discovered on the physical examination. Pericardial tamponade was confirmed by echocardiography. The patient underwent thoracentesis and multiple pericardiocenteses and required a pericardial window. Pericardial and pleural fluids appeared milky and biochemical analysis was consistent with chylopericardium and chylothorax.