1. Retroperitoneal Fibrosis as a Cause of Chylous Ascites
- Author
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Adnan Ur Rahman, Rajeswari Ramaraj, Elizabeth Slowinska, and Emyr Humphreys
- Subjects
030203 arthritis & rheumatology ,Ascitic fluid ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Retroperitoneal mass ,business.industry ,Gradual onset ,05 social sciences ,Case Report ,050801 communication & media studies ,General Medicine ,Abdominal distension ,medicine.disease ,Retroperitoneal fibrosis ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,0508 media and communications ,Liver ,Fibrosis ,Chylous ascites ,Ascites ,medicine ,medicine.symptom ,business - Abstract
Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare condition characterized by chronic inflammation and marked fibrosis of the retroperitoneal tissue, often leading to entrapment of abdominal organs. We report a 69-year-old white man who presented with a 5-week history of gradual onset of progressive abdominal distension. He had no history or risk factors for an underlying liver condition. Ascites and a retroperitoneal mass encasing the major abdominal vessels were revealed on imaging. Biopsies of the mass confirmed the presence of retroperitoneal fibrosis, and the ascitic fluid was milky, consistent with chylous ascites. We discuss this rare presentation and the challenges of treatment for chylous ascites caused by RPF, including the role for supportive treatment.
- Published
- 2017
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