1
|
Lin L, Liu K, Liu H, Xin J, Sun Y, Xia S, Shen W, Wu J. Small intestinal mucosal abnormalities using video capsule endoscopy in intestinal lymphangiectasia. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:308. [PMID: 37784188 PMCID: PMC10544442 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02914-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a rare protein-losing enteropathy caused by disorders of the intestinal lymphatics. There are only a few case reports and case series concerning the VCE (video capsule endoscopy) findings of IL. This work aimed to evaluate the VCE characteristics of small intestinal mucosal abnormalities in patients with IL, and to investigate the relationship between clinical and VCE characteristics. METHODS Consecutive patients with IL who underwent VCE were enrolled in this retrospective study. The cases were classified into the white villi group and non-white villi group according to mucosal abnormalities detected by VCE. Clinical and endoscopic characteristics were investigated and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 98 patients with IL with a median onset age of 26.3 ± 19.2 years were included. VCE revealed the following small intestinal lesions: (i) white villi type (57/98, 58.2%), i.e.: white-tipped or granular villi, white nodular villi or plaques; (ii) non-white villi type (41/98, 41.8%), i.e.: diffused low and round villi; (iii) complications (46/98, 46.9%), i.e.: bleeding, ulcers, protruding or vesicular-shaped lesions, stenosis and lymphatic leakage. A total of 58.2% (57) and 41.8% (41) of the cases were classified into the white villi and non-white villi groups respectively. The percentage of chylothorax in the white villi group was significantly lower than that in the non-white villi group (12/57 vs. 19/41, p = 0.008). In VCE, there were no significant differences in the involved segments and total detected rate of complications between the white villi and non-white villi groups (p > 0.05), while the detected rate of lymphatic leakage in the white villi group was significantly higher than that in the non-white villi group (31.6% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS Our study evaluated the entire small intestinal mucosal abnormalities of IL by VCE, especially endoscopic complications. IL has specific VCE abnormalities in addition to classical endoscopic findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Kuiliang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Jianfeng Xin
- Department of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Lymphatic Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuguang Sun
- Department of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Lymphatic Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Song Xia
- Department of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Lymphatic Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenbin Shen
- Department of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
- Clinical Center for Lymphatic Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jablonski SA. Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Canine Intestinal Lymphangiectasia: A Comparative Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202791. [PMID: 36290177 PMCID: PMC9597800 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal lymphangiectasia was first described in the dog over 50 years ago. Despite this, canine IL remains poorly understood and challenging to manage. Intestinal lymphangiectasia is characterized by variable intestinal lymphatic dilation, lymphatic obstruction, and/or lymphangitis, and is a common cause of protein-losing enteropathy in the dog. Breed predispositions are suggestive of a genetic cause, but IL can also occur as a secondary process. Similarly, both primary and secondary IL have been described in humans. Intestinal lymphangiectasia is definitively diagnosed via intestinal histopathology, but other diagnostic results can be suggestive of IL. Advanced imaging techniques are frequently utilized to aid in the diagnosis of IL in humans but have not been thoroughly investigated in the dog. Management strategies differ between humans and dogs. Dietary modification is the mainstay of therapy in humans with additional pharmacological therapies occasionally employed, and immunosuppressives are rarely used due to the lack of a recognized immune pathogenesis. In contrast, corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapies are more commonly utilized in canine IL. This review aims toward a better understanding of canine IL with an emphasis on recent discoveries, comparative aspects, and necessary future investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Jablonski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Meng MM, Liu KL, Xue XY, Hao K, Dong J, Yu CK, Liu H, Wang CH, Su H, Lin W, Jiang GJ, Wei N, Wang RG, Shen WB, Wu J. Endoscopic classification and pathological features of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:2482-2493. [PMID: 35979262 PMCID: PMC9258282 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i22.2482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The appearance of the intestinal mucosa during endoscopy varies among patients with primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL).
AIM To classify the endoscopic features of the intestinal mucosa in PIL under endoscopy, combine the patients’ imaging and pathological characteristics of the patients, and explain their causes.
METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the endoscopic images of 123 patients with PIL who were treated at the hospital between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2018. We compared and analyzed all endoscopic images, classified them into four types according to the endoscopic features of the intestinal mucosa, and analyzed the post-lymphographic computed tomography (PLCT) and pathological characteristics of each type.
RESULTS According to the endoscopic features of PIL in 123 patients observed during endoscopy, they were classified into four types: nodular-type, granular-type, vesicular-type, and edematous-type. PLCT showed diffuse thickening of the small intestinal wall, and no contrast agent was seen in the small intestinal wall and mesentery in the patients with nodular and granular types. Contrast agent was scattered in the small intestinal wall and mesentery in the patients with vesicular and edematous types. Analysis of the small intestinal mucosal pathology revealed that nodular-type and granular-type lymphangiectasia involved the small intestine mucosa in four layers, whereas ectasia of the vesicular- and edematous-type lymphatic vessels largely involved the lamina propria mucosae, submucosae, and muscular layers.
CONCLUSION Endoscopic classification, combined with the patients’ clinical manifestations and pathological examination results, is significant and very useful to clinicians when scoping patients with suspected PIL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ming Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Kui-Liang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Xin-Ying Xue
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Kun Hao
- Departments of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Jian Dong
- Departments of Radiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Chun-Kai Yu
- Departments of Pathology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Cang-Hai Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Hui Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Wu Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Guo-Jun Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Nan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Ren-Gui Wang
- Departments of Radiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Wen-Bin Shen
- Departments of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huber R, Semmler G, Mayr A, Offner F, Datz C. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in an adult patient: A case report and review of literature. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:7707-7718. [PMID: 33505146 PMCID: PMC7789053 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i48.7707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL), first described in 1961, is a rare disorder of unknown etiology resulting in protein-losing enteropathy. The disease is characterized by dilatation and leakage of intestinal lymph vessels leading to hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and lymphopenia. Since the severity and location of lymph vessels being affected can vary considerably, the range of associated symptoms is wide from mild lower-limb edema to generalized edema, abdominal and/or pleural effusion, and recurrent diarrhea, among others. Although usually developing in early childhood, we present the case of a 34-year-old woman with PIL. Moreover, we performed a literature review systematically assessing clinical presentation, and provide a practical approach to facilitate diagnosis and therapy of PIL in adults.
CASE SUMMARY Our patient presented with unspecific symptoms of abdominal discomfort, fatigue, nausea, and recurrent edema of the lower limbs. Interestingly, a striking collinearity of clinical symptoms with female hormone status was evident. Additionally, polyglobulia, hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and transient lymphocytopenia were evident. Due to suspicion of a bone marrow disease, an extensive diagnostic investigation was carried out excluding secondary causes of polyglobulinemia and hypoalbuminemia. The diagnosis of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia was established after 22 wk by histological analysis of biopsy samples obtained via enteroscopy. Consecutively, the patient was put on a high-protein and low-fat diet with medium-chain triglycerides supplementation leading to significant improvement of clinical symptoms until 2 years of follow-up.
CONCLUSION PIL can be the reason for cryptogenic hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and lymphopenia in adulthood. Due to difficulty in correct diagnosis, treatment initiation is often delayed despite being effective and well-tolerated. This leads to a significant disease burden in affected patients. PIL is increasingly been recognized in adults since the majority of case reports were published within the last 10 years, pointing towards an underestimation of the true prevalence. The association with female hormone status warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Huber
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Oberndorf 5110, Austria
| | - Georg Semmler
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Oberndorf 5110, Austria
| | - Alexander Mayr
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Oberndorf 5110, Austria
| | - Felix Offner
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital Feldkirch, Feldkirch 6800, Austria
| | - Christian Datz
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Oberndorf 5110, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cunningham JM, Nepal S, Truesdale AE. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia diagnosed by video capsule endoscopy in a patient with immunodeficiency presenting with Morganella morganii bacteraemia. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:13/9/e235898. [PMID: 32928820 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-235898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A 24-year-old woman with a medical history of chronic lower extremity oedema, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and recurrent pulmonary infections presented with sepsis from right lower extremity cellulitis. Blood cultures grew Morganella morganii Laboratory evaluation revealed lymphopaenia, hypogammaglobulinaemia, a low CD4+ T-cell count and nutritional deficiencies resulting from protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). CT showed small bowel wall thickening in the jejunum and ileum. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) was the likely diagnosis that explained her PLE and immunodeficiencies. Video capsule endoscopy is an important diagnostic tool for distal small bowel pathology and confirmed patchy areas of lymphangiectasia of the jejunum and ileum. Secondary causes of lymphangiectasia were ruled out. Clinically significant immunodeficiency from PIL has not been frequently documented, and this case adds to the literature of rare infections associated with PIL. Treatment with intravenous antibiotics resolved her septicaemia, while dietary modifications improved her oedema, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John M Cunningham
- Internal Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado, USA .,Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sansrita Nepal
- Internal Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado, USA.,Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Aimee E Truesdale
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mari J, Kovacs T, Pasztor G, Tiszlavicz L, Bereczki C, Szucs D. Pediatric localized intestinal lymphangiectasia treated with resection. Int Med Case Rep J 2019; 12:23-27. [PMID: 30804688 PMCID: PMC6375111 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s192940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a very rare disorder usually diagnosed before the third year of life or later in adulthood, presenting with pitting edema, hypoproteinemia and low immunoglobulin levels. The location and the extent of the affected bowel greatly influence the clinical manifestation. The localized or segmental form of PIL is extremely rare with only five pediatric cases reported worldwide. Case presentation A 10 year-old Caucasian boy presented with 3 months history of recurrent abdominal pain and a 1 month history of diarrhea. An ultrasound scan was performed on two separate occasions 10 days apart, revealing a growing cystic mass on the right side of the abdomen, in front of the psoas muscle. Subsequently an MRI scan confirmed that the mass originated from the mesenteries and infiltrates a short segment of the small bowel. Surgical resection of the affected segment was performed. Histopathological examination of the removed segment of ileum was consistent with intestinal lymphangiectasia. We could not identify any associated genetic syndromes or any other conditions that could have caused secondary intestinal lymphangiectasia. The patient’s recovery from surgery was uneventful and no recurrence was observed in the following 4 years. Conclusion Despite being a benign condition, mortality of PIL can be as high as 13% due to the difficulties associated with the management of the disease. PIL should be considered as a rare but potential cause for an abdominal mass, even in the older child, when cystic mesenterial involvement might be seen on ultrasound or MRI. In selected cases of PIL affecting only a short segment of the bowel or following unsuccessful conservative treatment, surgical resection of the affected bowel segment can be curative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Mari
- University of Szeged, Department of Pediatrics, Szeged, Hungary,
| | - Tamas Kovacs
- University of Szeged, Department of Pediatrics, Szeged, Hungary,
| | - Gyula Pasztor
- University of Szeged, Department of Radiology, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Csaba Bereczki
- University of Szeged, Department of Pediatrics, Szeged, Hungary,
| | - Daniel Szucs
- University of Szeged, Department of Pediatrics, Szeged, Hungary,
| |
Collapse
|