Chylous ascites: a sequel of pelvic radiation therapy.
Chylous ascites is an unusual condition with many causes. Two cases are presented in which it appeared to be related to whole pelvis irradiation in one patient for carcinoma of the vagina and in another for carcinoma of the vulva. The diagnosis is made by paracentesis and analysis of the fluid. The underlying disease usually requires identification by exploratory laparotomy. Although a malignant process is the most common cause, the only findings in the authors' cases were widespread radiation changes in the intestine. After diagnosis treatment by low-fat diet with medium-chain triglyceride supplements resulted in disappearance of chylous ascites.
D000368:Aged; D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D002915:Chylous Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D010388:Pelvis / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014625:Vaginal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery
D004041:Dietary Fats; D014280:Triglycerides