Evaluation of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia by capsule endoscopy

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease of the intestinal lymphatics, presenting with protein-losing enteropathy, hypoproteinemia, bilateral lower limb edema, and ascites [1] [2] [3] [4]. Here we report capsule endoscopic findings in a patient with primary intestinal lymphangiectasia.

A 51-year-old woman was admitted due to swelling of her legs and abdomen, and shortness of breath for nearly 3 years. She did not have diarrhea or weight loss. Her medical history revealed no trauma or abdominal surgery. On physical examination, the breath sounds in the lower lung fields were diminished; there was abdominal swelling and dullness on percussion, and pitting lower-limb edema. Laboratory findings were generally normal except for hypoalbuminemia (2.42 g/dL), hypoproteinemia (4.7 g/dL), and a low absolute lymphocyte count (850 mm³). Her serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level was normal and collagen markers were negative, but serum levels of IgA (78.7 mg/dL; normal 82 – 453) and IgG (555 mg/dL; normal 751 – 1560) were low. On abdomen ultrasound imaging, only ascites was demonstrated. The examination of ascitic fluid was consistent with chylous ascites: high triglycerides (1700 mg/dL; normal 0 – 200), low albumin (0.3 g/dL; normal 3.5 – 5.2), low total protein (3.1 g/dL; normal 6.4 – 8.3), high adenosine deaminase (47 U/L; normal 0 – 40), and 40 leukocytes/mm³. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis on ascitic fluid was negative for tuberculosis. However, endoscopy revealed pinhead-sized, white lesions in the second part of the duodenum. Colonoscopic findings were normal. Histopathologic examination of the duodenal specimens showed dilated lacteals, indicative of intestinal lymphangiectasia ([Fig. 1]). Lymphoscintigraphy demonstrated abnormally dilated intestinal lymphatic channels, concordant with intestinal lymphangiectasia, but the exact position of the lesion within the intestine could not be determined. Cardiac echo and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not show any pathology. Capsule endoscopy showed diffuse edematous mucosa in the small intestine, covered by swollen, whitish villi ([Fig. 2]). The proximal intestinal mucosa was slightly patchy and atrophic ([Fig. 3]). In light of all these findings, the patient was diagnosed as having primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. Subssequently, a low-fat diet including medium-chain triglycerides was instituted along with counseling at follow-up.

Fig. 1 The intestinal mucosa in a 51-year-old woman with leg and abdominal swelling, and shortness of breath. Endothelial-lined spaces are seen both in the superficial stroma of the villi and in the deeper lamina propria (with the light proteinaceous material inside) (hematoxylin and eosin, magnification × 200).

Fig. 2 Capsule endoscopic view showing the diffusely edematous intestinal mucosa covered with enlarged whitish villi.

Fig. 3 Capsule endoscopic view showing patchy atrophic mucosa in the proximal small intestine.

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Competing interests: None

• References

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• 3 Wen J, Tang Q, Wu J et al. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia: four case reports and a review of the literature. Dig Dis Sci 2010; 55: 3466-3472
• 4 Chamouard P, Nehme-Schuster H, Simler JM et al. Videocapsule endoscopy is useful for the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia. Dig Liver Dis 2006; 38: 699-703