Postoperative Chylothorax in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

The clinical and roentgenographic findings in 11 children were reviewed following development of a chylothorax after surgery for the management of congenital heart disease. The operative site in most cases was in proximity to the aortic isthmus. The pleural effusion was delayed in onset, reaccumulated rapidly after initial thoracentesis, and frequently recurred after apparent resolution. In most patients, widening of the mediastinum was noted prior to the appearance of the pleural effusion. Anatomical features of the thoracic duct and pathophysiologic concepts operative in chylothorax are reviewed and related to the clinical and roentgenographic characteristics of this entity.