Case report demonstrates successful thoracic duct embolization for chylothorax in a six-year-old child, highlighting the utility of transvenous interventions after Fontan palliation.
Chylothorax is a severe complication following the Fontan procedure, causing significant morbidity and mortality due to nutritional depletion and fluid loss. We present a case involving a six-year-old girl with tricuspid atresia, atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and severe pulmonary stenosis (PS), presenting with fever, non-productive cough, and increased work of breathing. Cyanosis was noted, improving with oxygen. Imaging revealed bilateral pleural effusion, with pleural fluid analysis confirming chylothorax. Despite normal laboratory reports, retrograde transvenous lymphangiography indicated thoracic duct leakage. The patient underwent successful thoracic duct embolization, resulting in the resolution of the effusion and stabilization of her condition. She was discharged in a stable state, with follow-up care.
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Wandile et al. (2024) studied this question.
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