Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
07:36

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Published on: May 1, 2015

13.8K

Lymphatic obstruction and protein-losing enteropathy in patients with congenital heart disease

Jeffery Meadows1, Kimberlee Gauvreau, Kathy Jenkins

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. jeffery.meadows@ucsf.edu

Congenital Heart Disease
|August 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) in congenital heart disease patients may stem from lymphatic obstruction. This study suggests physical lymphatic blockage plays a key role in PLE development, impacting patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a recognized complication following surgical correction of congenital heart disease (CHD).
  • The exact causes and mechanisms of PLE are not fully understood, but lymphatic system dysfunction is suspected.
  • Lymphatic insufficiency is believed to be a central factor in the development of PLE.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of lymphatic obstruction in patients with CHD and PLE.
  • To examine the association between central venous catheter-related thrombosis and PLE in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted comparing patients with CHD and PLE to matched controls who underwent similar surgical procedures.
  • Lymphatic return obstruction was defined by thoracic duct ligation or complete central venous obstruction at the thoracic duct's drainage site.

Main Results:

  • Apparent lymphatic obstruction was observed in 25% of PLE cases versus 4% of controls (P = .06).
  • No significant association was found between PLE and central venous catheter use, duration, or specific patient/operative characteristics.
  • Mortality was higher in the PLE group (25%) compared to controls (9%), though not statistically significant. Long-term PLE resolution was achieved in 38% of patients.

Conclusions:

  • A high incidence of lymphatic obstruction suggests it may be a significant, previously unrecognized factor in the pathogenesis of PLE in complex CHD.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking lymphatic compromise to PLE in this vulnerable patient group.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Long-Term Catheterization of the Intestinal Lymph Trunk and Collection of Lymph in Neonatal Pigs06:25

Long-Term Catheterization of the Intestinal Lymph Trunk and Collection of Lymph in Neonatal Pigs

Published on: March 5, 2016

9.1K
Author Spotlight: Effect of Left Atrial Ligation on Avian Embryonic Hearts and HLHS Implications04:37

Author Spotlight: Effect of Left Atrial Ligation on Avian Embryonic Hearts and HLHS Implications

Published on: June 16, 2023

1.8K

Related Concept Videos

Lysosomal Hydrolases01:22

Lysosomal Hydrolases

Lysosomes are the site for the degradation of macromolecules and biological polymers released during membrane trafficking events such as secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The membrane-enclosed area of the lysosome, called the lumen, contains hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment. These acid hydrolases are functional at a pH between 4.5 and 5 and are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling, energy metabolism, restoration of the plasma membrane,...
3.5K
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
3.3K
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
1.8K
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
1.0K
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
804
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
942