Deeper insights into the relevance of lymphatic circulation in cirrhosis of the liver: a Trojan horse or the Holy Grail?

Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Associated With Refractory Ascites in a Cirrhosis Patient

Lymphatic systems play a very important role in the body fluid homeostasis by interstitial fluid reabsorption. Lymphatic dysfunctions are common in patients with advanced cirrhosis, contributing to ascites and lymphedema. An unusual manifestation of lymphatic dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis is intestinal lymphangiectasia. A sustained rise in lymphatic pressure secondary to portal hypertension often contributes to the rupture of intestinal lymphangiectasia, resulting in the loss of plasma proteins, lymphocytes and lipids via the release of lymph into the intestinal lumen. Therefore, in addition to lymphatic pump failure, lymphangiectasia can lead to further worsening of ascites by causing severe hypoalbuminemia. On endoscopy, lymphangiectasia appears as whitish distended villi in the duodenum. Dietary changes, which include low-fat diet and medium-chain fat, are currently the cornerstone of lymphangiectasia therapy. We report here an interesting case of cirrhosis with recent worsening of ascites associated with severe intestinal lymphangiectasia and splenomesentric venous thrombosis.

Intestinal lymphangiectasia and reversible high liver stiffness

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a protein-losing enteropathy characterized by tortuous and dilated lymph channels of the small bowel. The main symptoms are bilateral lower limb edema, serosal effusions, and vitamin D malabsorption resulting in osteoporosis. We report here a case of long-lasting misdiagnosed PIL with a peculiar liver picture, characterized by a very high stiffness value at transient elastography, which decreased with clinical improvement. The complex interplay between lymphatic and hepatic circulatory system is discussed.