Lymphangiectasia: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Lymphangiectasia | |||
| image = [[File:Lymphangiectasia_shown_on_enteroscopy_before_and_after_treatment.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = Lymphangiectasia shown on enteroscopy before and after treatment | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Diarrhea]], [[steatorrhea]], [[edema]], [[ascites]] | |||
| complications = [[Malnutrition]], [[immunodeficiency]] | |||
| onset = Variable | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Congenital]] or [[acquired]] | |||
| risks = [[Intestinal obstruction]], [[protein-losing enteropathy]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Endoscopy]], [[biopsy]], [[imaging studies]] | |||
| differential = [[Celiac disease]], [[Crohn's disease]], [[Whipple's disease]] | |||
| treatment = [[Dietary modification]], [[medium-chain triglycerides]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Octreotide]], [[diuretics]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on underlying cause | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Lymphangiectasia''' is a pathologic dilation of lymph vessels. When it occurs in the intestines, it is associated with protein-losing enteropathy, and is a rare disorder characterized by the dilation of the lymphatic vessels located in the lining of the small intestine. This dilation leads to a leakage of lymphatic fluid into the intestines, which is then lost in the stool. | '''Lymphangiectasia''' is a pathologic dilation of lymph vessels. When it occurs in the intestines, it is associated with protein-losing enteropathy, and is a rare disorder characterized by the dilation of the lymphatic vessels located in the lining of the small intestine. This dilation leads to a leakage of lymphatic fluid into the intestines, which is then lost in the stool. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The exact cause of lymphangiectasia is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by an obstruction in the lymphatic system. This obstruction prevents the normal flow of lymphatic fluid, causing it to back up and lead to dilation of the lymphatic vessels. [[Congenital]] lymphangiectasia occurs when the lymphatic system fails to develop properly in the fetus. [[Secondary lymphangiectasia]] can occur as a result of diseases or conditions that block the lymphatic vessels, such as [[cancer]], [[infections]], or [[surgery]]. | The exact cause of lymphangiectasia is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by an obstruction in the lymphatic system. This obstruction prevents the normal flow of lymphatic fluid, causing it to back up and lead to dilation of the lymphatic vessels. [[Congenital]] lymphangiectasia occurs when the lymphatic system fails to develop properly in the fetus. [[Secondary lymphangiectasia]] can occur as a result of diseases or conditions that block the lymphatic vessels, such as [[cancer]], [[infections]], or [[surgery]]. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of lymphangiectasia can vary greatly from person to person. They may include [[abdominal pain]], [[diarrhea]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[fatigue]], and [[weight loss]]. In severe cases, the loss of lymphatic fluid can lead to [[malnutrition]], [[immune system]] problems, and [[edema]] (swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues). | The symptoms of lymphangiectasia can vary greatly from person to person. They may include [[abdominal pain]], [[diarrhea]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[fatigue]], and [[weight loss]]. In severe cases, the loss of lymphatic fluid can lead to [[malnutrition]], [[immune system]] problems, and [[edema]] (swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues). | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of lymphangiectasia often involves a combination of [[medical history]], physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include [[blood tests]], [[stool tests]], and imaging tests such as [[ultrasound]], [[CT scan]], or [[MRI]]. In some cases, a [[biopsy]] of the small intestine may be necessary. | Diagnosis of lymphangiectasia often involves a combination of [[medical history]], physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include [[blood tests]], [[stool tests]], and imaging tests such as [[ultrasound]], [[CT scan]], or [[MRI]]. In some cases, a [[biopsy]] of the small intestine may be necessary. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for lymphangiectasia is aimed at managing the symptoms and preventing complications. This may involve dietary modifications, such as a low-fat, high-protein diet, and medications to control symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the intestine. | Treatment for lymphangiectasia is aimed at managing the symptoms and preventing complications. This may involve dietary modifications, such as a low-fat, high-protein diet, and medications to control symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the intestine. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Lymphatic system]] | * [[Lymphatic system]] | ||
* [[Lymphatic disease]] | * [[Lymphatic disease]] | ||
* [[Protein-losing enteropathy]] | * [[Protein-losing enteropathy]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Lymphatic system]] | [[Category:Lymphatic system]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 03:17, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Lymphangiectasia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Diarrhea, steatorrhea, edema, ascites |
| Complications | Malnutrition, immunodeficiency |
| Onset | Variable |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Congenital or acquired |
| Risks | Intestinal obstruction, protein-losing enteropathy |
| Diagnosis | Endoscopy, biopsy, imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, Whipple's disease |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Dietary modification, medium-chain triglycerides, surgery |
| Medication | Octreotide, diuretics |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on underlying cause |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Lymphangiectasia is a pathologic dilation of lymph vessels. When it occurs in the intestines, it is associated with protein-losing enteropathy, and is a rare disorder characterized by the dilation of the lymphatic vessels located in the lining of the small intestine. This dilation leads to a leakage of lymphatic fluid into the intestines, which is then lost in the stool.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of lymphangiectasia is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by an obstruction in the lymphatic system. This obstruction prevents the normal flow of lymphatic fluid, causing it to back up and lead to dilation of the lymphatic vessels. Congenital lymphangiectasia occurs when the lymphatic system fails to develop properly in the fetus. Secondary lymphangiectasia can occur as a result of diseases or conditions that block the lymphatic vessels, such as cancer, infections, or surgery.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of lymphangiectasia can vary greatly from person to person. They may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss. In severe cases, the loss of lymphatic fluid can lead to malnutrition, immune system problems, and edema (swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues).
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of lymphangiectasia often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include blood tests, stool tests, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. In some cases, a biopsy of the small intestine may be necessary.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for lymphangiectasia is aimed at managing the symptoms and preventing complications. This may involve dietary modifications, such as a low-fat, high-protein diet, and medications to control symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the intestine.
