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Chyloperitoneum associated with chronic severe sarcoidosis
M S Cappell1, D Friedman, N Mikhail
1Department of Medicine, University of Medicine of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson (Rutgers) Medical School, New Brunswick.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Sarcoidosis can cause lymphatic obstruction, leading to chyloperitoneum and chylothorax. Autopsy revealed enlarged lymph nodes causing this condition in a long-term sarcoidosis patient.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pathology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease.
- Chronic sarcoidosis can lead to significant fibrotic changes.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old female with a 20-year history of sarcoidosis presented with massive chyloperitoneum and chylothorax.
- Autopsy revealed fibrotic and enlarged thoracic and mesenteric lymph nodes.
Findings:
- The patient's chyloperitoneum and chylothorax were attributed to lymphatic obstruction.
- Intrathoracic nodal fibrosis secondary to sarcoidosis was identified as the cause of lymphatic obstruction.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but severe complication of chronic sarcoidosis.
- Understanding the mechanism of lymphatic obstruction in sarcoidosis is crucial for diagnosis and management.