Chylous Ascites due to Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

UNLABELLED: Chylous ascites is rare and results in accumulation of lymph in the abdominal cavity, due to several mechanisms. The ascitic liquid is milky because of the high concentration of triglycerides (>200 mg/dl). The higher incidence compared to the past is explained by increased survival of patients with cancer and more aggressive surgery. We describe the case of an 87-year-old man admitted to the geriatric ward due to general oedema, chylous ascites and loss of weight, explained by mantle cell lymphoma.

LEARNING POINTS: Chylous ascites is more frequent in trauma, but in some cases may be related to obstruction of the thoracic duct by retroperitoneal fibrosis, pancreatitis or neoplasms.It is a progressive, difficult to manage condition, with a spectrum of treatment ranging from a special diet to surgery.Its prognosis depends fundamentally on the predisposing condition.