Diagnosis and management of primary chylous ascites.
Campisi C, Bellini C, Eretta C, Zilli A, da Rin E, Davini D, Bonioli E, Boccardo F.
Department of Surgery, Lymphatic Surgery and Microsurgery Unit, S. Martino Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
BACKGROUND:
Chylous ascites is the accumulation of triglyceride-rich, free, milk-like peritoneal fluid caused by the presence of intestinal lymph in the abdominal cavity. Primary chylous ascites is uncommon. We present our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
METHODS:
Twelve patients (7 adults, 5 children) affected by primary chylous ascites were studied. Diagnostic investigations included abdominal sonography scans, lymphoscintigraphy, and lymphography combined with computed tomography (CT) with intravenous and intralymphatic lipid-soluble contrast, and laparoscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging was used when lymphography and lymphatic CT were not able to define the dysplasia well, or in the presence of lymphatic dilatation. Surgical treatment included laparoscopy (12/12), drainage of ascites (12/12), the search for and treatment of abdominal and retroperitoneal chylous leaks (12/12), exeresis of lymphodysplastic tissues (12/12), ligation of incompetent lymph vessels (9/12), carbon dioxide laser treatment (cut and welding effects) of the dilated lymph vessels using an operating microscope for magnification (9/12), and chylovenous and lymphovenous microsurgical shunts (7/12).
RESULTS:
Eight patients did not have a relapse of the ascites, and three patients had a persistence of a small quantity of ascites with no protein imbalance. Postoperative lymphoscintigraphy in seven patients confirmed better lymph flow and less lymph reflux. Median follow-up was 5 years (range, 3 to 7 years). We observed early relapse of chylous ascites in only one case that required a peritoneal-jugular shunt and led to good outcome.
CONCLUSION:
Primary chylous ascites is closely correlated to lymphatic-lymphonodal dysplasia that does not involve a single visceral district alone. Medical preoperative treatment played an essential role in the global management of this complex pathology. We demonstrated that the use of laparoscopy is remarkably advantageous for confirming diagnosis, for draining the ascites, and for evaluating the extension of the dysplasia. Our diagnostic work-up provided us with an exact diagnostic assessment and allowed us to plan a precise surgical approach.
PMID: 16765248 [PubMed - in process]
..................
Congenital Chylous Ascites: Report of Four Cases
and Review Of the Literature
Mahmoud Machmouchi, DESC, AESCP; Adnan Amin, MD; Issam Lanjaoui, MD;
Arnold Jacobs, MD; Chimène Hatoum, MD; Daifullah Al Zahrani, MBBS
From the Department of Pediatrics, Al Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
This is a report of four neonates with chylous ascites, three of whom were recognized antenatally. The neonates were born at 34, 35 and 37 weeks’ gestation, respectively. Their birth weights ranged from 1270 g to 3500 g, and all had abdominal distention at birth. Analyses of the ascites fluid revealed raised levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and protein. Three of the cases responded to low-fat diet and medium-chain triglycerides with multiple paracentesis drainage. In the fourth case, the chylous ascites was associated with a macrodigit involving the right index and medius. The condition persisted despite 10 weeks of parenteral alimentation, and only resolved after an exploratory laparotomy done at the age of two months.
Case Reports
Case 1
The patient was a 1390 g male born after 34 weeks’ gestation to a 25-year-old gravida 3 para 3. The ascites was detected by ultrasonography at 31 weeks of gestation (Figure 1). At birth, the abdomen was very distended. paracentesis was performed and 200 ml of ascitic fluid was collected, showing a yellowish fluid rich in lymphocytes, with triglycerides of 1.4 mmol/l, cholesterol of 1.6 mmol/l, protein of 2.4 g/l and a specific gravity of 1.015. Because of the severe abdominal distention, a second paracentesis was done after three days, and enteral feeding was started at the age of six days by a formula rich in medium-chain triglycerides. The chylous ascites resolved completely within two weeks, and after 10 years of follow-up, no complications have been noticed.
Case 2
This patient was a 1270 g male born after 34 weeks’ gestation to a 32-year-old unbooked gravida 7 para 7. All his siblings had died in the neonatal period in another hospital. At birth, the patient presented with hypotonia, bilateral cataract and facial dysmorphy. Cytogenetic study of peripheral blood lymphocytes cultured by G-binding technique showed a mosaic (47xy+ marker chromosomes at 80%, and 46xy at 20%) chromosomal constitution in the analyzed cells. The abdomen was distended, and paracentesis showed a 150 ml milky fluid rich in lymphocytes, with triglycerides of 3 mmol/l, cholesterol of 2.2 mmol/l, and protein of 3.6 g/l. Ultrasound and CT scan confirmed the presence of hamartoma of the liver (Figure 2). The chilous ascites resolved completely after 10 days of parenteral alimentation, but the patient remained ventilator-dependent and died of respiratory problems at four months of age.
Case 3
This patient was a 3500 g female born after 37 weeks’ gestation to a 32-year-old diabetic gravida 6 para 5.
The ascites was detected by ultrasound at 35 weeks, with polyhydramnios. At birth, the patient presented with a small interventricular septal defect and a huge abdominal distention and respiratory distress. An urgent intra-peritoneal drain was inserted and a yellowish fluid was extruded which was rich in lymphocytes, with triglycerides of 3.3 mmol/l, cholesterol of 2.3 mmol/l, protein of 2.7 g/l, and a specific gravity 1.061.
In spite of complete and strict parenteral alimentation, the peritoneal drainage produced more than one liter of fluid in the first two weeks. The drainage was removed at the end of the third week, and multiple needle aspirations were done until the age of two months, when an exploratory laparotomy was performed. No macroscopic anomalies were found, but the origin of the superior mesenteric vessels was explored as recommended in the literature. At the age of two months, a macrodigit was also evident involving the index and medius. the index was amputated at two years of age. Following surgery, the patient completely recovered and continued to grow and develop normally at five years’ follow-up.
Case 4
This patient was a 2600 g male born after 35 weeks’ gestation to a gravida 1 para 1. the ascites was detected at 32 weeks with polyhydramnios. At birth, the abdomen was very distended, and the patient also had mild respiratory distress. A peritoneal drain was inserted which collected about 700 ml of yellowish fluid rich in lymphocytes,
Figure 1. Prenatal ultrasound showing evidence of ascites.
Figure 2. CT scan showing hamartoma of the liver after complete resolving of the chylous ascites.
cholesterol of 2 mmol/l, triglyceride of 2.1 mmol/l and protein of 3.2 g/l during the first week. The patient was put under complete parenteral alimentation for two weeks, and the chylous ascites completely resolved during the third week, with no recurrence over a one-year period of follow-up.
Common features of all the cases of chylous ascites mentioned above include the following:
Uneventful pregnancy
Spontaneous normal vaginal delivery
Polyhydramnios found during delivery
Ultrasound which revealed the presence of ascites before initial paracentesis, and was confirmed by laboratory results
A yellowish color of ascitic fluid initially, becoming milky after paracentesis was done five to six days later, mainly when the patient had been fed orally.
Discussion
Morton first described chylous ascites in an infant in 1691 after paracentesis on an 18-month-old male.1-2 The incidence of the condition has always been underestimated, and is thought to be between 1 in 50,000 and 1 in 100,000 hospital admissions.3 Congenital chylous ascites is even rarer, but is the most frequent cause of nonimmunologic peritoneal effusion. More than 10 studies have been reported in the last few years.
Congenital chylous ascites can be identified by antenatal ultrasonography (Figure 2), thereby eliminating an eventual traumatic result.4 the presence of hydramnios is the major associated anomaly.5-6 Other associations include chylothorax,7-9 lymphedema,8,9 pulmonary lymphangiectasis,10.11 intestinal lymphangiectasis,12-14 generalized lymphatic dysplasia,14 omental cyst,15 malrotation,5,16 meconium peritonitis,18 down’s syndrome, and other anomalies of genetic origin.16-20
Congenital chylous ascites is due to an inadequate lymphatic drainage from the intestine, resulting from maldevelopment of the intra-abdominal lymphatic system.3,12,21 The pathogenesis is poorly understood and genetic factors are discriminated. Consanguinity is a common feature,22,23 and the male is more liable to the condition.24 Cases of chylous ascites involving twins have also been reported.24,25 Fetal tachycardia accompanying a huge ascites has been reported,26 and cesarean may be prompted by fetal distress during labor.27 Prematurity is frequent,5-8 and neonatal respiratory distress and abdominal distention are also common, with ultrasound confirming the presence of fluid and abdominal x-ray showing a coloparietal undermining.
Paracentesis is the most useful diagnostic step. The chyle is usually color free, however, its appearance and composition are not constant, and depend on multiple factors such as the size of fat particles, cellular content and diet. Microscopic examination of the fluid demonstrates fat globules, and Wright’s stain shows a predominance of lymphocytes and concentration of triglycerides ranged from 1.4 to 3.8 mmol/l, cholesterol from 1.6 to 2.8 mmol/l, and protein level from 2.5 to 4.1 g/l. chylomicron can be found at a high concentration if the patient has been fed normally, and the specific gravity usually ranges from 1.010 to 1.021.5,6,18,28 After confirmation of the diagnosis, patients should be treated conservatively by dietary correction of any fluid, electrolytes and vitamin D deficiencies, and provided with a fat-free diet, with the fat being replaced by medium-chain triglycerides.5,28-31
In severe or complicated chyloascites or chyloascites that persists after a maximum of 10 weeks of diet, a maximum of 6-10 weeks’ of complete bowel rest and total parenteral nutrition should be initiated. Parenteral nutritional support appears to decrease the hazard of medical therapy by maintaining an adequate nutritional intake while eliminating obligate losses consequent to repeated paracentesis.31-33
Caty et al. have reported a successful treatment of congenital chyloascites by a somatostatin analog.34 This first line of therapy, in conjunction with multiple needle aspiration or drainage, depending on fetal tolerance, has been successful in more than 65%-70%.21,35,36 Prolonged use of low-fat infant formula has been associated with poor neurologic development, possibly from fatty acid deficiency, therefore, it should be limited to three to four months.5,20,30
In utero, evacuation of peritoneal fluid can be indicated in fetal distress.3,5 After a 10-week trial of bowel rest, most authors agree on abdominal exploration.37 Further imaging studies should also be considered—Tc 99m dextran lymphoscintigraphy,38,39 lymphangiogram or preoperative ingestion of the lipophylic dye40 can direct the surgical procedure.
Successful surgical treatment of congenital chylous ascites can be achieved in 80% of patients35 by resection of the macroscopic localized anomaly, or by ligation of an identifiable lymphatic leak.41-43
The most prominent location of the lymphatic leak is at the base of the superior mesenteric
vessel.15,35,36,42 If no leak can be identified, the area around the root of the mesenteric vessels should be closely inspected after mobilization of the colon, duodenum and the head of the pancreas,35,36,44,45 and hemostasis should be performed by multiple ligation.
A peritoneovenous shunt, either the Leveen or Denver type, has been reported to be successful at least temporarily, in children in whom repeated attempts of medical or surgical approach have failed.44,46 Rector and Whittlesey reported a complete control of chylous ascites by creating a circuit of extracorporeal recirculation.47
In a large collecting series, the recurrence of chylous ascites is not unusual and can occur even after three years. the death rate from chylous ascites is estimated to be between 24% and 30%,42,45 however, no recent report exists.
Congenital chylous ascites is an unusual and etiologically poorly understood entity. Prenatal paracentesis should be reserved for an unstable fetus. The surgical approach is indicated after failure of adequate medical treatment.
Article with Reference:
..................
Related Articles:
Successful surgical treatment of two cases of congenital chylous ascites.
Chylous ascites caused by Kaposi's sarcoma
Chylous ascites
Department of Surgery, Lymphatic Surgery and Microsurgery Unit, S. Martino Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
BACKGROUND:
Chylous ascites is the accumulation of triglyceride-rich, free, milk-like peritoneal fluid caused by the presence of intestinal lymph in the abdominal cavity. Primary chylous ascites is uncommon. We present our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
METHODS:
Twelve patients (7 adults, 5 children) affected by primary chylous ascites were studied. Diagnostic investigations included abdominal sonography scans, lymphoscintigraphy, and lymphography combined with computed tomography (CT) with intravenous and intralymphatic lipid-soluble contrast, and laparoscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging was used when lymphography and lymphatic CT were not able to define the dysplasia well, or in the presence of lymphatic dilatation. Surgical treatment included laparoscopy (12/12), drainage of ascites (12/12), the search for and treatment of abdominal and retroperitoneal chylous leaks (12/12), exeresis of lymphodysplastic tissues (12/12), ligation of incompetent lymph vessels (9/12), carbon dioxide laser treatment (cut and welding effects) of the dilated lymph vessels using an operating microscope for magnification (9/12), and chylovenous and lymphovenous microsurgical shunts (7/12).
RESULTS:
Eight patients did not have a relapse of the ascites, and three patients had a persistence of a small quantity of ascites with no protein imbalance. Postoperative lymphoscintigraphy in seven patients confirmed better lymph flow and less lymph reflux. Median follow-up was 5 years (range, 3 to 7 years). We observed early relapse of chylous ascites in only one case that required a peritoneal-jugular shunt and led to good outcome.
CONCLUSION:
Primary chylous ascites is closely correlated to lymphatic-lymphonodal dysplasia that does not involve a single visceral district alone. Medical preoperative treatment played an essential role in the global management of this complex pathology. We demonstrated that the use of laparoscopy is remarkably advantageous for confirming diagnosis, for draining the ascites, and for evaluating the extension of the dysplasia. Our diagnostic work-up provided us with an exact diagnostic assessment and allowed us to plan a precise surgical approach.
PMID: 16765248 [PubMed - in process]
..................
Congenital Chylous Ascites: Report of Four Cases
and Review Of the Literature
Mahmoud Machmouchi, DESC, AESCP; Adnan Amin, MD; Issam Lanjaoui, MD;
Arnold Jacobs, MD; Chimène Hatoum, MD; Daifullah Al Zahrani, MBBS
From the Department of Pediatrics, Al Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
This is a report of four neonates with chylous ascites, three of whom were recognized antenatally. The neonates were born at 34, 35 and 37 weeks’ gestation, respectively. Their birth weights ranged from 1270 g to 3500 g, and all had abdominal distention at birth. Analyses of the ascites fluid revealed raised levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and protein. Three of the cases responded to low-fat diet and medium-chain triglycerides with multiple paracentesis drainage. In the fourth case, the chylous ascites was associated with a macrodigit involving the right index and medius. The condition persisted despite 10 weeks of parenteral alimentation, and only resolved after an exploratory laparotomy done at the age of two months.
Case Reports
Case 1
The patient was a 1390 g male born after 34 weeks’ gestation to a 25-year-old gravida 3 para 3. The ascites was detected by ultrasonography at 31 weeks of gestation (Figure 1). At birth, the abdomen was very distended. paracentesis was performed and 200 ml of ascitic fluid was collected, showing a yellowish fluid rich in lymphocytes, with triglycerides of 1.4 mmol/l, cholesterol of 1.6 mmol/l, protein of 2.4 g/l and a specific gravity of 1.015. Because of the severe abdominal distention, a second paracentesis was done after three days, and enteral feeding was started at the age of six days by a formula rich in medium-chain triglycerides. The chylous ascites resolved completely within two weeks, and after 10 years of follow-up, no complications have been noticed.
Case 2
This patient was a 1270 g male born after 34 weeks’ gestation to a 32-year-old unbooked gravida 7 para 7. All his siblings had died in the neonatal period in another hospital. At birth, the patient presented with hypotonia, bilateral cataract and facial dysmorphy. Cytogenetic study of peripheral blood lymphocytes cultured by G-binding technique showed a mosaic (47xy+ marker chromosomes at 80%, and 46xy at 20%) chromosomal constitution in the analyzed cells. The abdomen was distended, and paracentesis showed a 150 ml milky fluid rich in lymphocytes, with triglycerides of 3 mmol/l, cholesterol of 2.2 mmol/l, and protein of 3.6 g/l. Ultrasound and CT scan confirmed the presence of hamartoma of the liver (Figure 2). The chilous ascites resolved completely after 10 days of parenteral alimentation, but the patient remained ventilator-dependent and died of respiratory problems at four months of age.
Case 3
This patient was a 3500 g female born after 37 weeks’ gestation to a 32-year-old diabetic gravida 6 para 5.
The ascites was detected by ultrasound at 35 weeks, with polyhydramnios. At birth, the patient presented with a small interventricular septal defect and a huge abdominal distention and respiratory distress. An urgent intra-peritoneal drain was inserted and a yellowish fluid was extruded which was rich in lymphocytes, with triglycerides of 3.3 mmol/l, cholesterol of 2.3 mmol/l, protein of 2.7 g/l, and a specific gravity 1.061.
In spite of complete and strict parenteral alimentation, the peritoneal drainage produced more than one liter of fluid in the first two weeks. The drainage was removed at the end of the third week, and multiple needle aspirations were done until the age of two months, when an exploratory laparotomy was performed. No macroscopic anomalies were found, but the origin of the superior mesenteric vessels was explored as recommended in the literature. At the age of two months, a macrodigit was also evident involving the index and medius. the index was amputated at two years of age. Following surgery, the patient completely recovered and continued to grow and develop normally at five years’ follow-up.
Case 4
This patient was a 2600 g male born after 35 weeks’ gestation to a gravida 1 para 1. the ascites was detected at 32 weeks with polyhydramnios. At birth, the abdomen was very distended, and the patient also had mild respiratory distress. A peritoneal drain was inserted which collected about 700 ml of yellowish fluid rich in lymphocytes,
Figure 1. Prenatal ultrasound showing evidence of ascites.
Figure 2. CT scan showing hamartoma of the liver after complete resolving of the chylous ascites.
cholesterol of 2 mmol/l, triglyceride of 2.1 mmol/l and protein of 3.2 g/l during the first week. The patient was put under complete parenteral alimentation for two weeks, and the chylous ascites completely resolved during the third week, with no recurrence over a one-year period of follow-up.
Common features of all the cases of chylous ascites mentioned above include the following:
Uneventful pregnancy
Spontaneous normal vaginal delivery
Polyhydramnios found during delivery
Ultrasound which revealed the presence of ascites before initial paracentesis, and was confirmed by laboratory results
A yellowish color of ascitic fluid initially, becoming milky after paracentesis was done five to six days later, mainly when the patient had been fed orally.
Discussion
Morton first described chylous ascites in an infant in 1691 after paracentesis on an 18-month-old male.1-2 The incidence of the condition has always been underestimated, and is thought to be between 1 in 50,000 and 1 in 100,000 hospital admissions.3 Congenital chylous ascites is even rarer, but is the most frequent cause of nonimmunologic peritoneal effusion. More than 10 studies have been reported in the last few years.
Congenital chylous ascites can be identified by antenatal ultrasonography (Figure 2), thereby eliminating an eventual traumatic result.4 the presence of hydramnios is the major associated anomaly.5-6 Other associations include chylothorax,7-9 lymphedema,8,9 pulmonary lymphangiectasis,10.11 intestinal lymphangiectasis,12-14 generalized lymphatic dysplasia,14 omental cyst,15 malrotation,5,16 meconium peritonitis,18 down’s syndrome, and other anomalies of genetic origin.16-20
Congenital chylous ascites is due to an inadequate lymphatic drainage from the intestine, resulting from maldevelopment of the intra-abdominal lymphatic system.3,12,21 The pathogenesis is poorly understood and genetic factors are discriminated. Consanguinity is a common feature,22,23 and the male is more liable to the condition.24 Cases of chylous ascites involving twins have also been reported.24,25 Fetal tachycardia accompanying a huge ascites has been reported,26 and cesarean may be prompted by fetal distress during labor.27 Prematurity is frequent,5-8 and neonatal respiratory distress and abdominal distention are also common, with ultrasound confirming the presence of fluid and abdominal x-ray showing a coloparietal undermining.
Paracentesis is the most useful diagnostic step. The chyle is usually color free, however, its appearance and composition are not constant, and depend on multiple factors such as the size of fat particles, cellular content and diet. Microscopic examination of the fluid demonstrates fat globules, and Wright’s stain shows a predominance of lymphocytes and concentration of triglycerides ranged from 1.4 to 3.8 mmol/l, cholesterol from 1.6 to 2.8 mmol/l, and protein level from 2.5 to 4.1 g/l. chylomicron can be found at a high concentration if the patient has been fed normally, and the specific gravity usually ranges from 1.010 to 1.021.5,6,18,28 After confirmation of the diagnosis, patients should be treated conservatively by dietary correction of any fluid, electrolytes and vitamin D deficiencies, and provided with a fat-free diet, with the fat being replaced by medium-chain triglycerides.5,28-31
In severe or complicated chyloascites or chyloascites that persists after a maximum of 10 weeks of diet, a maximum of 6-10 weeks’ of complete bowel rest and total parenteral nutrition should be initiated. Parenteral nutritional support appears to decrease the hazard of medical therapy by maintaining an adequate nutritional intake while eliminating obligate losses consequent to repeated paracentesis.31-33
Caty et al. have reported a successful treatment of congenital chyloascites by a somatostatin analog.34 This first line of therapy, in conjunction with multiple needle aspiration or drainage, depending on fetal tolerance, has been successful in more than 65%-70%.21,35,36 Prolonged use of low-fat infant formula has been associated with poor neurologic development, possibly from fatty acid deficiency, therefore, it should be limited to three to four months.5,20,30
In utero, evacuation of peritoneal fluid can be indicated in fetal distress.3,5 After a 10-week trial of bowel rest, most authors agree on abdominal exploration.37 Further imaging studies should also be considered—Tc 99m dextran lymphoscintigraphy,38,39 lymphangiogram or preoperative ingestion of the lipophylic dye40 can direct the surgical procedure.
Successful surgical treatment of congenital chylous ascites can be achieved in 80% of patients35 by resection of the macroscopic localized anomaly, or by ligation of an identifiable lymphatic leak.41-43
The most prominent location of the lymphatic leak is at the base of the superior mesenteric
vessel.15,35,36,42 If no leak can be identified, the area around the root of the mesenteric vessels should be closely inspected after mobilization of the colon, duodenum and the head of the pancreas,35,36,44,45 and hemostasis should be performed by multiple ligation.
A peritoneovenous shunt, either the Leveen or Denver type, has been reported to be successful at least temporarily, in children in whom repeated attempts of medical or surgical approach have failed.44,46 Rector and Whittlesey reported a complete control of chylous ascites by creating a circuit of extracorporeal recirculation.47
In a large collecting series, the recurrence of chylous ascites is not unusual and can occur even after three years. the death rate from chylous ascites is estimated to be between 24% and 30%,42,45 however, no recent report exists.
Congenital chylous ascites is an unusual and etiologically poorly understood entity. Prenatal paracentesis should be reserved for an unstable fetus. The surgical approach is indicated after failure of adequate medical treatment.
Article with Reference:
..................
Related Articles:
Successful surgical treatment of two cases of congenital chylous ascites.
Chylous ascites caused by Kaposi's sarcoma
Chylous ascites
posted by Pat O'Connor @ 1:49 AM
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