Management of Idiopathic Infantile Chylous Ascites.

Chylous ascites is the accumulation of triglyceride-rich lymphatic fluid in the peritoneal cavity. We present the case of a four-month-old male admitted for abdominal distension. A large volume of ascites was confirmed by imaging. Paracentesis indicated chylous aspirate and drainage was performed using a pigtail catheter. Total parenteral nutrition was initiated and fluconazole prophylaxis was implemented for seven days. Twenty-six days after admission, abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed trace ascites but no signs of lymphatic malformation. He began transitioning to nasogastric feeds with plans to eventually resume oral feeds. This case not only highlights the limitations in our abilities to definitively identify the etiology of pediatric chylous ascites but also demonstrates how chylous ascites management can carefully combine conservative and surgical strategies to optimize patient outcomes.