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.
Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Laura
L
Milazzo
Anna Maria
AM
Peri
Lucia
L
Lodi
Guido
G
Gubertini
Anna Lisa
AL
Ridolfo
Spinello
S
Antinori
D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008102:Liver Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D008201:Lymphangiectasis, Intestinal / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000502:physiology; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged