Endolymphatic Interventions for the Treatment of Chylothorax and Chylous Ascites in Neonates: Technical and Clinical Success and Complications.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the technical and clinical success of performing minimally invasive endolymphatic embolization in neonates presenting with a chylothorax or chylous ascites.

METHODS: Three neonates, 2 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 28 days (range: 19-39 days) presented with a chylothorax or chylous ascites that was refractory to conservative management. All 3 patients (1 previously reported) underwent intranodal lymphangiography, followed by thoracic duct embolization, with 1 patient undergoing additional sclerosis of the retroperitoneal abdominal lymphatics.

RESULTS: Lymphangiography, thoracic duct embolization, and sclerosis of the retroperitoneal abdominal lymphatics were technically successful. The chylothorax resolved in both the patients. Persistent chylous ascites was noted after treatment which resolved after surgical placement of a vicryl mesh and fibrin sealant. One major complication occurred with nontarget embolization of glue into the lungs requiring embolectomy.

CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic duct and retroperitoneal abdominal lymphatic embolization can be performed in neonates. Resolution of chylothorax was seen in 2 patients (one previously reported) after embolization, whereas 1 patient with chylous ascites required surgical management after endolymphatic intervention.