Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography of chylous leak before surgical ligation of the thoracic duct: case report

We herein report a case of a 22-year-old male patient with an unusual presentation of recurrent chylous pericardial and pleural effusions. Lymphatic leak was suspected. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography (DC-MRL) was performed after ultrasound-guided intranodal injection of contrast through inguinal lymph nodes. DC-MRL could diagnose the presence of upper thoracic duct lymphatic leak. After open surgical ligation of the thoracic duct, the patient showed clinical improvement and pericardial and pleural effusions were cleared.