From the Research
Intestinal lymphangioectasia commonly presents with a triad of symptoms: edema, hypoproteinemia, and lymphopenia, as reported in the most recent study 1. The symptoms of intestinal lymphangioectasia can vary widely among patients, but typically include:
- Peripheral edema, particularly in the legs
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and steatorrhea
- Weight loss and malnutrition due to impaired nutrient absorption
- Fatigue, recurrent infections, and chylous effusions in body cavities These symptoms occur due to the abnormal dilation of lymphatic vessels in the intestinal wall, leading to leakage of lymph fluid containing proteins, lymphocytes, and chylomicrons into the intestinal lumen, as described in 2 and 1. The diagnosis of intestinal lymphangioectasia can be challenging, but it is often confirmed by endoscopic observation of intestinal lymphangiectasia with corresponding histology of intestinal biopsy specimens, as noted in 2 and 3. The management of intestinal lymphangioectasia typically involves dietary modification, including a low-fat diet with medium-chain triglyceride supplementation, as reported in 4 and 1. In some cases, surgical resection may be necessary to relieve symptoms and exclude underlying diseases, as described in 5.