Chylous ascitis revealing a non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Introduction Chylous ascitis is a rare form of ascitis, characterised by a milky, triglyceride-rich, liquid. It is due to an interruption in the lymphatic system due either to an obstruction or to a post-traumatic wound. We report a case of revealing a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Observation A 71 year-old man consulted for abdominal distension attributed to a chylous ascitis. Peripheral adenopathies were palpable. The abdominal scan revealed voluminous lumbar-aortal adenopathies. The diagnosis of grade IV (Ann Arbor classification) centro-follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma was retained. The ascitis disappeared following chemotherapy. Comments Chylous ascitis is an uncommon complication of lymphomas, although representing the main cause in adults in developed countries. The underlying mechanism is an obstruction to sub-diaphragmatic draining lymphatic due to lymphomatous infiltration. Hyperalimentation, a low, dietary restriction of long-chain triglycerides or peritoneovenous shuntings are ineffective. Conclusion Chylous ascitis is a rare complication of lymphomas, secondary to the obstruction of the abdominal draining lymphatics. Treatment is the same as that of a hematologic malignancy. (C) 2004, Masson, Paris.