[Electron microscopic study of the small intestine in intestinal lymphangiectasia and constrictive pericarditis...

Electron microscopic study of the small intestine in cases of intestinal lymphangiectasia and in cases of constrictive pericarditis was performed. This study revealed that numerous chylomicron-like particles are present in the lymphatic lumina, in the extracellular spaces of the lamina propria, and within the interepithelial spaces between the absorptive cells. Presence of chylomicron-like particles in the intestinal lumen suggested possibility of passage of these substances into the intestinal tract through the interepithelial spaces. Similar findings to those as seen in intestinal lymphangiectasia were observed in constrictive pericarditis. A few pseudopode-like cytoplasmic projections of the undifferentiated crypt cells were noted. Other mechanisms of enteric protein loss are postulated.