Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2020 | Heart Surgery | Case report
Multimodality lymphatic imaging of postoperative chylothorax in an infant with Noonan syndrome: a case report
Authors:
Kay T. Pham, Duraisamy Balaguru, Varaha S. Tammisetti, Carlos J. Guevara, John C. Rasmussen, Rodrick C. Zvavanjanja, Robert Hanfland, Eva M. Sevick-Muraca, Melissa B. Aldrich
Published in:
European Journal of Medical Research
|
Issue 1/2020
Login to get access
Abstract
Background
Chylothorax is a rare complication of pediatric cardiac operations that occurs more frequently in children with Noonan syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with cardiac defects and lymphatic anomalies.
Case presentation
We report a case of postoperative chylothorax in a 6-month-old infant with Noonan syndrome where multimodality lymphatic imaging guided management was followed. Drainage patterns of the lymphatic capillaries in the lower and upper extremities were visualized during near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI). Dynamic magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) further identified the site of leakage in the thoracic duct and subsequently guided surgical intervention.
Conclusions
Application of multimodality imaging allows for greater individualization of treatment and should be considered in patients with complex cases such as those with syndromes associated with a higher incidence of chylothorax. IRB Number: HSC-MS-13–0754, December 10, 2013