[Chylous ascites after pelvic irradiation for urologic malignancy]
Asma Ouakaa-Kchaou1, Rim Ennaifer, Hela Elloumi
1Service de gastro-entérologie, Hôpital Habib Thameur, Montfleury, TN-1008 Tunis, Tunisie. asma.kchaou@voila.fr
Case:
A 74-year-old woman had a history of transitional papillary carcinoma of the urethra, treated with brachytherapy and radiation therapy. She was hospitalized for exploration of chylous ascites. After a work-up, we concluded it was due to chyloperitoneum caused by a post-radiation lymphatic opening. Conservative treatment, including a low-fat high-protein diet, together with medium-chain triglycerides, led to the drying of the ascites.
Discussion:
Development of chylous ascites after radiation therapy requires first of all a search for a tumor recurrence. Nonetheless, radiation induction must be considered; its course is usually benign with good response to conservative treatment.
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