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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
07:36
Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
Intestinal lymphangiectasia in adults
Hugh James Freeman1, Michael Nimmo
1Hugh James Freeman, Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1W5, Canada.
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology
|March 3, 2011
Summary
Intestinal lymphangiectasia, a disorder of dilated intestinal lacteals, causes protein loss and can affect adults, presenting with varied symptoms. Diagnosis involves biopsy, and treatment typically includes dietary changes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is characterized by dilated intestinal lacteals leading to protein loss into the small intestine.
- While more common in children, IL is increasingly diagnosed in adults, presenting with diverse clinical features.
- Symptoms range from edema and effusions to diarrhea, steatorrhea, or anemia, though many adults show minimal malabsorption signs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics, diagnosis, and management of intestinal lymphangiectasia in adults.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and the importance of excluding secondary causes of lymphatic obstruction.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and treatment strategies for adult intestinal lymphangiectasia.
- Emphasis on endoscopic findings, small bowel biopsy confirmation, and differential diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Adult IL presents variably, with some cases mimicking pediatric presentations and others being asymptomatic.
- Diagnosis relies on biopsy, with capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy aiding in assessing extent.
- Exclusion of secondary causes like malignancy, infection, or inflammatory conditions is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Adult intestinal lymphangiectasia requires a high index of suspicion, especially when excluding secondary causes.
- Dietary modification with medium-chain triglycerides remains a cornerstone of management.
- Further research into pharmacological and surgical interventions is warranted given limited anecdotal evidence.
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