Intestinal Lymphangiectasia 

  • Author: Anthony E Martin, MD; Chief Editor: Julian Katz, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 5, 2012
 

Background

Traditionally, protein-losing gastroenteropathies have been classified into 3 groups (depending on the mechanism of their etiology) that include the following: (1) those causing mucosal damage leading to increased permeability to protein (usually not involving mucosal ulcerations), (2) those with mucosal erosions and/or ulcerations, and (3) those in which protein loss is secondary to mechanical lymphatic obstruction.

While a more detailed discussion on Protein-Losing Enteropathy is presented in another article, this article specifically addresses intestinal lymphangiectasia.

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Pathophysiology

Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a disease characterized by hypoproteinemia, edema, and lymphocytopenia, resulting from dilatation of intestinal lymphatics and loss of lymph fluid into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.[1] This leads to immunologic abnormalities, including hypogammaglobulinemia, anergy, and impaired allograft rejection. In addition to the loss of other serum components (eg, lipids), iron and certain trace metals may also be affected.[2]

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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

Frequency in the United States and internationally is unknown.

Mortality/Morbidity

Morbidity is related to the pathophysiology of this disease. Edema and diarrhea are predominant clinical features; however, the following negative sequelae are also observed:

Race

No racial predilection exists.

Sex

The male-to-female ratio is 3:2.

Age

Intestinal lymphangiectasia can be primary (ie, congenital), in which case it affects children and young adults (mean age of onset, 11 y). The diagnosis in these cases often occurs during the first decade of life, with the first manifestations being persistent diarrhea and peripheral edema. This condition can also be secondary to other disease states, thus affecting older adults.[3] In a series from Japan, the average age at onset was 22.9 years.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Anthony E Martin, MD  Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Fellowship Training Program Director, University of Louisville School of Medicine

Anthony E Martin, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Association of Military Surgeons of the US, Kentucky Medical Association, and Special Operations Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Richard Wright, MD  Professor and Chief, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University of Louisville School of Medicine

Richard Wright, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physician Executives, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association, American Medical Association, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Rajeev Vasudeva, MD, FACG  Clinical Professor of Medicine, Consultants in Gastroenterology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine

Rajeev Vasudeva, MD, FACG is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Columbia Medical Society, South Carolina Gastroenterology Association, and South Carolina Medical Association

Disclosure: Pricara Honoraria Speaking and teaching; UCB Consulting fee Consulting

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Oscar S Brann, MD, FACP  Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego; Consulting Staff, Mecklenburg Medical Group

Oscar S Brann, MD, FACP is a member of the following medical societies: American Gastroenterological Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Alex J Mechaber, MD, FACP  Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Alex J Mechaber, MD, FACP is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, and Society of General Internal Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Julian Katz, MD  Clinical Professor of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine

Julian Katz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Medical Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, American Trauma Society, Association of American Medical Colleges, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

We wish to thank Raoul Joubran, MD, for his previous contributions to this article.

References

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