Percutaneous transcervical thoracic duct embolization for treatment of a cervical lymphocele following anterior spinal fusion: a case report.

Abstract

Thoracic duct injury is an uncommon complication of neck dissection and cervical spinal surgery that is associated with significant morbidity. The authors describe an unusual case of thoracic duct injury during anterior spinal fusion resulting in a large prevertebral lymphocele presenting with dysphagia, respiratory distress, and chyloptysis. Surgical closure of the lymphocele was unsuccessful, and percutaneous drainage and sclerotherapy was performed. A large thoracic duct branch communicating with the lymphocele became evident during sclerotherapy, and embolization of the duct was performed via a percutaneous transcervical approach. Symptoms immediately resolved, and the patient remained asymptomatic at 6-month follow-up.

• Authors: Patrick S Warren, Mark J Hogan, William E Shiels
• Journal: Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR (J Vasc Interv Radiol) Vol. 24 Issue 12 Pg. 1901-5 (Dec 2013) ISSN: 1535-7732 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24267526 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Angiography, Digital Subtraction
• Cervical Vertebrae (surgery)
• Embolization, Therapeutic (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Lymphocele (diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Middle Aged
• Sclerotherapy
• Spinal Fusion (adverse effects)
• Thoracic Duct (diagnostic imaging, injuries, pathology)
• Treatment Outcome