Chylous ascites and encapsulating peritonitis: unusual complications of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was diagnosed in a 36-yr-old woman 3 wk after she had delivered. The patient had no past history of abdominal or pelvic disease. Ampicillin therapy was started and determined complete resolution of infectious manifestations. Ten days later, chylous ascites and chyluria were evidenced. Thereafter an ascitic effusion persisted for 2 months, when an occlusive syndrome developed, requiring emergency surgery. An encapsulating peritonitis was recognized, encasing small bowel loops, stomach and partially, pelvic organs. In this case, encapsulating peritonitis was most likely a consequence of simultaneous bacterial infection and transient lymphatic blockade. Both mechanisms should be considered in the development of this rare and usually unexplained disease.