Traumatic paediatric chylothorax and chylopericardium following a low-energy firecracker blast successfully treated with thoracic duct embolisation

Abstract Chylothorax and chylopericardium are rare in children and are typically associated with cardiothoracic surgery, congenital lymphatic abnormalities, or malignancy. Traumatic chylous effusions are particularly uncommon. We report an 11-year-old boy who developed extensive cervical and upper chest swelling following a minor firecracker blast injury. Subsequent imaging revealed large chylous pleural and pericardial effusions. Persistent high-output chyle loss despite exhaustive conservative therapy necessitated thoracic duct embolisation, which successfully resolved the effusions. This case highlights the importance of considering lymphatic injuries following seemingly trivial trauma and demonstrates the utility of percutaneous thoracic duct embolisation in paediatric lymphatic leaks.