Chylopericardium is a medical condition where lymphatic fluid builds up around the heart. The word is pronounced /kaɪləʊˌperɪˈkɑːdɪəm/ according to the IPA phonetic transcription. The first part of the word, "chylo", refers to chyle, a milky fluid that contains fats and lymph found in the small intestine. "Pericardium" refers to the sac that surrounds the heart. Despite being a complex word, the spelling of "Chylopericardium" follows standard English pronunciation rules and accurately represents the sounds heard when the word is spoken.
Chylopericardium is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of chyle, a milky fluid composed of digested fats and lymph, within the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart. It is considered a rare condition, often resulting from a disruption or rupture of the thoracic duct, a major vessel responsible for transporting lymph and chyle throughout the body.
The accumulation of chyle within the pericardial space can exert pressure on the heart, leading to various symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In some cases, chylopericardium may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during diagnostic imaging or surgical procedures.
The primary cause of chylopericardium is thought to be traumatic injury or surgery, especially those involving the mediastinal area. In addition, certain medical conditions such as malignancies, congestive heart failure, and infections can contribute to the development of chylopericardium.
Treatment for chylopericardium aims to relieve symptoms, reduce chyle accumulation, and repair the underlying cause. Conservative measures such as dietary modifications, including a low-fat diet and medium-chain triglyceride supplementation, along with medical drainage of the chyle may be attempted initially. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the thoracic duct or remove the accumulated chyle.
Overall, chylopericardium is a rare condition that involves the accumulation of chyle within the pericardial sac. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent potential complications that may arise from the pressure exerted on the heart.
An accumulation of a milky white fluid in the pericardial sac.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "chylopericardium" is derived from Greek roots. It consists of two parts:
1. "Chylo" - This comes from the Greek word "chylos", meaning "juice" or "chyle". Chyle is a milky fluid that is formed during the digestion of fats in the small intestine and then transported through the lymphatic system.
2. "Pericardium" - This comes from the Greek word "perikardion", which refers to the membranous sac that surrounds and protects the heart.
When combined, "Chylopericardium" refers to a medical condition where chyle accumulates in the pericardial sac, most often due to disruption or blockage of the thoracic duct, leading to inflammation and potentially affecting cardiac function.