Objective:

To report a rare case of chylous pericardial effusion leading to cardiac tamponade following right upper lobectomy, highlighting its significance in postoperative care.

Key Findings:

• Chylous pericardial effusion is a rare but serious complication after lung surgery, necessitating awareness among clinicians.
• The patient developed obstructive shock due to cardiac tamponade from chylous fluid accumulation, underscoring the need for prompt intervention.
• Surgical intervention was necessary to ligate the thoracic duct and prevent recurrence, illustrating the complexity of management in such cases.

Interpretation:

The case illustrates the critical need for prompt diagnosis and intervention in cases of chylous pericardial effusion to prevent life-threatening complications, emphasizing the role of echocardiography in early detection.

Limitations:

• The rarity of the condition limits generalizability of findings and may not represent typical outcomes.
• The case study does not provide long-term follow-up data on the patient's recovery, which is essential for understanding the full impact of the intervention.

Conclusion:

Chylous pericardial effusion can lead to severe complications post-lung surgery, necessitating timely intervention and highlighting the importance of echocardiography in diagnosis and management strategies.