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Chylous ascites: Why exercise is bad for you.
N Tewari1, A Bhalla, S Iftikhar
1Royal Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|November 24, 2012
Summary
Strenuous exercise, like triathlons, can cause chylous ascites due to lymphatic vessel injury from extreme body movements. This condition can occur even without other abdominal issues.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Reports
- Gastroenterology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Chylous ascites typically results from trauma, including iatrogenic causes.
- Blunt abdominal trauma involving hyperextension or hyperflexion can disrupt lymphatic vessels, leading to chylous ascites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of chylous ascites.
- To highlight a potential cause of chylous ascites in athletes.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 38-year-old male.
- Diagnostic imaging including abdominal CT scan.
- Surgical exploration (laparotomy).
Main Results:
- Patient presented with severe abdominal pain post-triathlon.
- CT scan suggested midgut volvulus.
- Laparotomy revealed significant intra-abdominal chyle without other abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- This is the first reported case of chylous ascites without associated abdominal pathology after strenuous exercise.
- Chylous ascites can be caused by hyperextension/hyperflexion injuries during intense physical activity.
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