Chylous Pericardial Effusion and Tamponade Due to Catheter Induced Superior Vena Caval Obstruction in a Premature Infant

Chylous pericardial effusion and tamponade in children are rare complications of thoracic duct injury during cardiothoracic surgeries or as a result of superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction. We report a rare case of chylous tamponade in a premature infant as a complication of long standing central venous catheterization resulting in SVC obstruction. Urgent pericardiocentesis and then surgical creation of a pericardial window resulted in complete resolution of the effusion and recovery of the patient.