Ultrasonographic Imaging of the Cervical Thoracic Duct in Children with Congenital or Acquired Heart Disease

Conditions that increase central venous pressure lead to secondary dilation of the thoracic duct and impaired lymphatic circulation. We report the use of ultrasound to directly image the cervical part of the thoracic duct in children without the need for invasive techniques or contrast agents. Systematic evaluation of the thoracic duct may be useful in cardiovascular conditions with congestion of the lymphatic system such as single ventricle following Glenn or Fontan procedures. Mini‐ This report describes the feasibility of assessing the cervical segment of the thoracic duct during echocardiographic evaluation in children with various cardiovascular conditions. Systematic evaluation of the thoracic duct may be useful in cardiovascular conditions with congestion of the lymphatic system such as single ventricle following Glenn or Fontan procedures.