A Case of Small Bowel Lymphangiectasia that Presented with Gastrointestinal Bleeding and was Treated by Small Bowel Resection.
- Author:
Jae Eun LEE
1
;
Jung Ho PARK
;
Wan PARK
;
Mi Hye SEO
;
Won Seok CHOI
;
Chang Suk SONG
;
Kyoung Bun LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jungho3.park@samsung.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Intestinal lymphangiectasia;
Double balloon enteroscopy;
Hematochezia
- MeSH:
Ascites;
Dilatation;
Double-Balloon Enteroscopy;
Edema;
Female;
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage;
Hemorrhage;
Humans;
Hypoalbuminemia;
Hypoproteinemia;
Lymphatic System;
Melena;
Middle Aged;
Pleural Effusion;
Protein-Losing Enteropathies;
Subclavian Vein
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2011;80(Suppl 2):S91-S95
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a rare disorder, characterized by dilatation of intestinal lymphatics and leakage from ruptured lacteals to the intestinal lumen. Primary IL may be due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system, whereas secondary IL is caused by decreased lymph flow from thoracic ductsdue to elevated left subclavian vein pressure as a result of a preceding inflammatory or neoplastic disease. IL can present as protein-losing enteropathy with clinical manifestations of hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, edema, ascites, or pleural effusions. In very rare cases, it can present as severe intestinal bleeding. We experienced a 48-year-old woman presenting with recurring hematochezia and melena. She was diagnosed bydouble balloon enteroscopy, and surgical resection was needed to stop bleeding. In conclusion, IL can present clinically as painless chronic blood loss. If IL is locally distributed, surgical resection may be needed to control bleeding and to exclude other underlying causes in some patients.
