title: [Congenital intestinal lymphangiectasia].
abstract: Congenital intestinal lymphangiectasia is a disease which leads to protein losing enteropathy. Tortuous, dilated lymphatic vessels in the intestinal wall and mesenterium are typical features of the disease. Clinical manifestations include malabsorption, diarrhea, steatorrhea, edema and effusions. Specific diet and medication are required for disease control.
  
  
  
  A 19-year old male patient was hospitalized due to diarrhea, abdominal swelling, weariness and fatigue. Physical examination revealed growth impairment, ascites, and lymphedema of the right hand and forearm. Laboratory assessment indicated iron deficiency anaemia, lymphopenia, malabsorption, inflammatory syndrome, and urinary infection. Enteroscopy and video capsule endoscopy demonstrated dilated lymphatic vessels in the small intestine. The diagnosis was confirmed by intestinal biopsy. The patient was put on high-protein diet containing medium-chain fatty acids, somatotropin and supportive therapy.
  
  
  
  Congenital intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease, usually diagnosed in childhood. Early recognition of the disease and adequate treatment can prevent development of various complications.
authors.affiliation: Klinicki centar Srbije, Sluzba za patohistologiju, Beograd, Srbija. dr.popovic@sezampro.rs
authors.forename: Dusan D j
authors.initials: DDJ
authors.lastname: Popović
authors.forename: Milan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spuran
authors.forename: Tamara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Alempijević
authors.forename: Miodrag
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krstić
authors.forename: Srdjan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Djuranović
authors.forename: Nada
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kovacević
authors.forename: Svetozar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Damnjanović
authors.forename: Marjan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Micev
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008201:Lymphangiectasis, Intestinal / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult