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Background: The pragmatic role of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography (DCMRL) needs to be evaluated and compared across distinct lymphatic disorders. We aimed to evaluate the performance of DCMRL for identifying the underlying causes of lymphatic disorders and to define the potential benefit of DCMRL for planning lymphatic interventions., Methods: Patients who underwent DCMRL between August 2017 and July 2022 were included in this retrospective analysis. DCMRL was performed with intranodal injection of a gadolinium-based contrast medium through inguinal lymph nodes under local anesthesia. Technical success of DCMRL and feasibility of percutaneous embolization were assessed based on the lymphatic anatomy visualized by DCMRL. Based on the underlying causes, clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared., Results: Seventy consecutive patients were included. The indications were traumatic chylothorax (n = 42), traumatic chylous ascites (n = 11), and nontraumatic lymphatic leak (n = 17). The technical success rate of DCMRL was the highest in association with nontraumatic lymphatic disorders (94.1% [16/17]), followed by traumatic chylothorax (92.9% [39/42]) and traumatic chylous ascites (81.8% [9/11]). Thirty-one (47.7%) patients among 65 patients who underwent technically successful DCMRL had feasible anatomy for intervention. Clinical success was achieved in 90.3% (28/31) of patients with feasible anatomy for radiologic intervention, while 62.5% (10/16) of patients with anatomical challenges showed improvement. Most patients with traumatic chylothorax showed improvement (92.9% [39/42]), whereas only 23.5% (4/17) of patients with nontraumatic lymphatic disorders showed clinical improvement., Conclusion: DCMRL can help identify the underlying causes of lymphatic disorders. The performance of DCMRL and clinical outcomes vary based on the underlying cause. The feasibility of lymphatic intervention can be determined using DCMRL, which can help in predicting clinical outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (© 2024 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety, technical success and clinical outcome of percutaneous intranodal ethiodized oil (Lipiodol®) based lymphangiography (L-LAG) for the management of refractory pelvic lymphoceles or chylous ascites using high doses of ethiodized oil., Materials and Methods: Thirty-four patients presenting with symptomatic, refractory postoperative pelvic lymphocele or chylous ascites referred for theranostic, inguinal, intranodal L-LAG treatment between May 2018 and November 2021 were retrospectively included. There were 21 men and 13 women, with a mean age of 62.7 ± 16.2 (standard deviation) years (age range: 9-86 years), who underwent a total of 49 L-LAG for the management of lymphoceles (n = 14), chylous ascites (n = 18) or a combination of lymphocele and chylous ascites (n = 2). Clinical and radiological pre-interventional, procedural and follow-up data up to January 2022 were collected from patients' electronic medical records and imaging files., Results: Technical success was obtained in 48 out of 49 L-LAG (98%). No complications related to L-LAG were noted. After one or more L-LAG, clinical success was obtained in 30 patients (88%) with a mean of 1.4 interventions per patient and mean intranodal injected volume of 29 mL of ethiodized oil per session. The remaining four patients (12%), with one or more failed L-LAG, underwent additional surgical intervention to definitively treat the postoperative lymphatic leakage., Conclusion: L-LAG using high doses of ethiodized oil is a minimally invasive, safe and effective treatment of postoperative pelvic lymphocele or chylous ascites. Multiple sessions may be needed to obtain a meaningful clinical result., Competing Interests: Disclosure of Interests The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Chylous ascites is a rare complication that may occur after living donor nephrectomy. The continuous loss of lymphatics, which carries a high risk of morbidity, may ensue in possible immunodeficiency and protein-calorie malnutrition. Here, we presented patients who developed chylous ascites after robotassisted living donor nephrectomy and reviewed the current literature of therapeutic strategies for chylous ascites., Materials and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 424 laparoscopic living donor nephrectomies performed at a single transplant center; among these, we studied the records of 3 patients who developed chylous ascites following robot-assisted living donor nephrectomy., Results: Among 438 living donor nephrectomies, 359 (81.9%) were laparoscopic and 77 (18.1%) were by robotic assistance. In the 3 cases highlighted in our study, patient 1 did not respond to conservative therapy, which consisted of diet optimization, total parenteral nutrition, and octreotide (somatostatin). Patient 1 subsequently underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopy with suture ligation and clipping of leaking lymphatic vessels, allowing the chylous ascites to subside. Patient 2 similarly did not respond to conservative treatment and developed ascites. Despite initial improvement after wound interrogation and drainage, patient 2 had continued symptoms, resulting in diagnostic laparoscopy and repair of leaky channels leading to the cisterna chyli. Patient 3 developed chylous ascites 4 weeks postoperatively and received ultrasonographic-guided paracentesis by interventional radiology, with results showing an aspirate consistent with chyle. The patient's diet was optimized, allowing for initial improvement and eventual return to normal diet., Conclusions: Our case series and literature review demonstrate the importance of early surgical intervention after failed conservative management for resolution of chylous ascites in patients after robotassisted donor laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Purpose: Management of chylous ascites is poorly understood with no management guidelines. We retrospectively reviewed patients treated for chylous ascites at our institution to evaluate efficacy and safety of lipiodol lymphangiography and embolization., Materials and Methods: Seven patients underwent percutaneous interventional management of chylous ascites (average age 52.5 years, 3 female, 6 post-surgical, 1 pancreatitis) from 2012. All patients underwent lipiodol inguinal lymph node injection. Adjunctive glue embolization was performed if a leak was identified. Data were collected on the cause of chylous ascites, conservative management strategies, procedural details, and success., Results: All patients had chylous ascites refractory to conservative management. Preprocedure lymphoscintigraphy identified a retroperitoneal leak in 6 patients. Seven patients underwent 12 lymphangiogram procedures; 8 were performed at our institution. Lymphangiography identified a leak in 5 patients (71%). Success was achieved in 2 patients (28%) treated at our institution after glue embolization following cannulation of the leaking lymphatic channels and 1 patient (14%) after lymphangiography alone for an overall success rate of 43% (3/7). Two patients (29%) were successfully treated after one procedure. Two patients (29%) unsuccessfully treated at our institution were referred to a specialized center in the United States. No 30 day post procedural complications., Conclusions: In our experience, lymphangiography and embolization was a safe, relatively effective and minimally invasive method for treating medically refractory chylous ascites. Complex cases required referral to a specialized institution with resources unavailable at our tertiary care center.

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of lymphopseudoaneurysm (LPA) glue (n-butyl cyanoacrylate [NBCA]) embolization in the management of chylous ascites after retroperitoneal surgery., Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis from January 2014 to October 2018 was performed in six patients (4 females and 2 males; mean age, 45.3 ± 14.2 years; range, 26-61 years) who underwent LPA embolization for chylous ascites developing after retroperitoneal surgery involving the perirenal space (four donor nephrectomies, one partial nephrectomy, and one retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy). After placing a percutaneous drainage catheter into the LPA or adjacent lymphocele, embolization was performed by filling the LPA itself with a mixture of glue and Lipiodol (Guerbet)., Results: Daily drainage from percutaneously placed drains exceeded 300 mL/day despite medical and surgical treatment (volume: mean, 1173 ± 1098 mL; range, 305-2800 mL). Intranodal lymphangiography was performed in four of the six patients and revealed leakage in 2 patients. Percutaneous embolization of the LPA was successful in all patients using an NBCA and Lipiodol mixture in a ratio of 1:1-1:2 (volume: mean, 4.3 ± 1.1 mL; range, 3-6 mL). Chylous ascites was resolved and the drainage catheter was removed in all patients within 4 days after the procedure (mean, 2.0 ± 1.8 days; range, 0-4 days). No procedure-related complications or recurrence of chylous ascites occurred during a mean follow-up period of 37.3 months (range, 21.1-48.4 months)., Conclusion: Glue embolization of LPA has the potential to be a feasible and effective treatment method for the management of chylous ascites after retroperitoneal surgery., Competing Interests: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 The Korean Society of Radiology.)

Background Abnormalities of the central lymphatic system (CLS) are increasingly treated by interventional radiology approaches. Planning of these procedures, however, is challenging because of the lack of clinical imaging tools. Purpose To evaluate the clinical usefulness of contrast agent-enhanced interstitial transpedal MR lymphangiography in the preinterventional workup of lymphatic interventions in patients with thoracic chylous effusions. Materials and Methods Patients with chylous effusions evaluated from January 2014 and December 2017 were included in this retrospective analysis of transpedal MR lymphangiography. Indications were chylothorax ( n = 19; 76%), cervical lymphatic fistula ( n = 2; 8%), and combined chylothorax and chylous ascites ( n = 4; 16%). Patients underwent transpedal MR lymphangiography at 1.5 T with T1-weighted imaging after interstitial pedal of gadolinium-based contrast medium under local anesthesia. Contrast-enhanced MRI was evaluated for technical success, depiction of pathologic abnormalities of the CLS, and access site for lymphatic interventions (ie, clinically useful examination). Reader agreement for image quality and overall degree of visualization was assessed with weighted κ. Interrelations between overall image quality and degree of visualization of CLS structures were assessed by Spearman ρ. Efficacy of transpedal MR lymphangiography was calculated by using radiographic lymphangiography as the reference standard. Results Twenty-five patients (mean age, 54 years ± 18 [standard deviation]; 13 men) were evaluated. Eight percent (two of 25) of examinations failed (lymphoma in one patient and technical failure in one patient). Contrast agent injection was well tolerated without complications. Interrater agreement of image quality was excellent (κ = 0.96). The degree of CLS visualization correlated with overall image quality (ρ = 0.71; P < .001). Retroperitoneal lymphatics, cisterna chyli, and thoracic duct were viewed with an accuracy of 23 of 25 (92%), 24 of 25 (96%), and 23 of 25 (92%), respectively. Anatomic variations, a lymphatic pathologic abnormality, and interventional access routes were identified with an accuracy of 22 of 25 (88%), 23 of 25 (92%), and 24 of 25 (96%), respectively. Overall, 23 of 25 (92%) transpedal MR lymphangiograms provided clinically useful information. Conclusion Transpedal interstitial MR lymphangiography was well tolerated by the patient and identified specific pathologic abnormalities causing thoracic chylous leakages before lymphatic intervention. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Maki and Itkin in this issue.

Chyloperitoneum is a potential complication of omega-loop gastric bypass caused by internal herniation. Chronic compression of the mesentery leads to chylous extravasation that can mimic peritonitis., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

A 29-year-old man with diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain and multiple purple papular lesions, neither pruriginous nor painful, was diagnosed with HIV-1 infection and disseminated Kaposi sarcoma (KS) with gastrointestinal involvement. He was started on highly active antiretroviral therapy immediately, as well as doxorubicin. Three weeks later, the patient developed bilateral moderate pleural effusion and large-volume ascites compatible with chylothorax and chylous ascites. An immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) reaction was assumed. KS flare was associated with lymphatic obstruction and infiltration of thoracic duct by the tumour itself with leakage of chylous into pleural and peritoneal cavities. KS is the most common tumour in HIV patients and the existence of related effusions is not uncommon. KS-related chylothorax is an unusual manifestation of KS; there are only four cases described in the literature of chylous ascites related to KS-HIV. Overall survival is improving in KS but explosive and debilitating IRIS reactions can explain cases with poor prognosis., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

In the pediatric setting, lymphoscintigraphy is used mostly for the evaluation of lymphedema. Only a few cases of chylous anomalies and lymphatic malformations imaged with lymphoscintigraphy have been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to review the use of lymphoscintigraphy in those pathologies. Methods: All lymphoscintigraphy studies performed for chylous anomalies between 2001 and 2017 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The results were correlated to clinical and radiologic findings. Lymphoscintigraphy consisted of sequential imaging after injection of 3.7-9.25 MBq (100-250 μCi) of 99m Tc-filtered sulfur colloid at the level of the feet or hands. Results: Twenty-five studies were performed on 21 patients. Fourteen studies were obtained for the evaluation of chylothorax. Eleven were performed for chyloperitoneum, chyluria, chylopericardium, exudative enteropathy, or lymphangiomatosis. Ten studies were positive for lymphatic leakage, and 1 had uncertain results. After correlation with radiologic findings and follow-up, there were 7 true-negative and 5 false-negative results (previous 67 Ga-interfering activity in 1, injection in only the hands in 3, and a low-fat diet in 1). One study became positive after injection in the feet, and another became positive after a switch to a high-fat diet. Conclusion: Lymphoscintigraphy is a useful tool for imaging lymphatic anomalies in children. Suggestions to optimize results include placing the patient on a high-fat diet, withholding octreotide, injecting the 4 extremities, and imaging with SPECT/CT., (© 2018 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.)

Chylous ascites is a rare condition little reported in literature, with even more exceptional traumatic origin. Its production mechanism is not known exactly but has been attributed to hyperflexion or hyperextension of the spine leading to a rupture of lymph ducts. We present a case of post-traumatic chyloperitoneum in a young patient after abdominal blunt trauma. Conservative treatment should be the first therapeutic option, especially if the origin is traumatic, reserving more aggressive possibilities for cases that do not respond after 15 days, if debt is greater than 1.5 litres/day in adult patients or in those with metabolic complications. A laparoscopic approach is indicated to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other associated injuries that may require other surgical procedures.

Lymphangiography and percutaneous embolization of injured lymphatics are minimally invasive and effective techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic and retroperitoneal lymphatic leaks. We present a 58-year-old man who had abdominal chylous collection developed after multiple abdominal surgeries. Retroperitoneal lymphatic duct leakage was detected by ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography and treated successfully using computed tomography (CT)-guided transabdominal embolization with percutaneous N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue and percutaneous NBCA glue and coil embolization by directly catheterizing the leaking lymphatic channel through the chylous collection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a lymphatic leakage case treated by percutaneous direct catheterization and embolization of leaking lymphatic channels through the chylous fluid collection.

Contrast lymphangiography is a useful technique to determine the site of lymphatic leakage in the patient with chylous ascites. Conventional lymphangiography with lipid-soluble contrast material carries the disadvantage of complications, such as oil emboli and lymphedema. The authors report a successful case of computed tomography (CT)-lymphangiography with direct injection of water-soluble contrast medium into a lower limb lymphatic vessel to determine the site of lymphatic leakage in a pediatric patient with refractory primary chylous ascites. The patient subsequently underwent laparoscopic ligation of the leaking site and recovered well. This novel technique offers superior potential for preoperative assessment and the planning of laparoscopic repair., (Copyright © 2015 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In addition to imaging the lymphatics and detecting various types of lymphatic leakage, lymphangiography is a therapeutic option for patients with chylothorax, chylous ascites, and lymphatic fistula. Percutaneous thoracic duct embolization, transabdominal catheterization of the cisterna chyli or thoracic duct, and subsequent embolization of the thoracic duct is an alternative to surgical ligation of the thoracic duct. In this pictorial review, we present the detailed technique, clinical applications, and complications of lymphangiography and thoracic duct embolization.

Chylous ascites (chyloperitoneum) is a rare clinical condition, characterized by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Most commonly it is associated with abdominal malignancy (usually lymphoma). We present an unusual case of a woman who developed a persistent pseudocyst and recurrent chylous ascites following acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Background & Objectives: Chyloascites is a rare complication that can result from abdominal trauma, neoplasm, inflammatory conditions, or various abdominal surgeries. Few cases have been described secondary to iatrogenic injury from laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. We describe a case in which this surgery resulted in chyloascites that was successfully treated by lymphatic glue embolization., Methods: A 37-year-old male presented with signs and symptoms consistent with chronic reflux disease. He underwent an uneventful laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Two weeks postoperatively, he was admitted for dehydration. During his admission, he began to develop a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and abdominal distention. Imaging and fluid analysis from thoracocentesis and paracentesis were consistent with chyle leakage. Despite nonoperative measures, the patient's presentation persisted., Results: Thoracic duct ligation was performed without success. Bipedal lymphangiography identified an extensive leak revealing a severely lacerated thoracic duct spilling contrast freely into the abdomen and no contrast entering the thoracic duct in the chest. The site of injury was successfully sealed off with percutaneous glue embolization through lymph channels., Conclusion: Chyloascites is a rare complication of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. When not successful with conservative measures, lymphatic glue embolization can provide effective treatment.

Chylous ascites is an uncommon finding which is due to the presence of thoracic or intestinal lymph in the abdominal cavity. It is usually caused by a chronic disruption of the lymphatic system. The present report is one of the rare cases in the literature of chylous ascites secondary to idiopathic acute pancreatitis, which showed a complete resolution with a combination of low fat enteral nutrition with MCT and somatostatin analogs.

Chyloma is a rare clinical entity that occurs secondary to obstruction of lymphatic flow or leakage from lymphangiectatic vessels, which can be secondary to surgery. Herein, we present the computed tomography findings of this challenging diagnosis in an abdominal chyloma patient with left adrenalectomy.

Refractory congenital chylous ascites (CCA) is an uncommon clinical condition. Few cases have been described and no gold standard treatment has been defined so far. This report describes a case of refractory CCA in a newborn child which was treated by surgery. Preoperative lower-limb lymphoscintigraphy associated with intraoperative patent blue testing and fibrin glue application were useful in order to provide a successful outcome.

There are adduced the results of transcutaneous interventions under ultrasonographic investigation guidance in 106 patients, performed for extraorgan liquid accumulations (ELA)--chylomas, haematomas and seromas. There were elaborated indications for punctures and drainage application, algorhythm of treatment was proposed, taking into account peculiarities of every pathologic condition. Efficacy of minitraumatic methods in radical treatment of ELA, which may serve as an alternative for reoperation conduction and have certain advantages over them, was proved.

A case of a neonate with congenital chylous ascites resulting from primary lymphatic dysplasia is described. The baby also presented with a sludge ball in the gallbladder that eventually progressed to gallstones. The association of chylous ascites with cholelithiasis in this neonate is discussed.

Despite radiotherapy and chemotherapy, chylous ascites occur frequently in patients with ovarian cancer. We report a case of ovarian cancer with massive chylous ascites and describe the use of lymphoscintigraphy to demonstrate pelvic lymph nodes and lymphoid fluid leakage to the pelvic floor.

Background: Ascites is one of the most common complications of liver diseases, even though in 15% of the cases it is related to extrahepatic diseases; 3% are of cardiac nature and they appear associated with signs and symptoms of heart failure., Case Presentation: A 70 year old man was admitted with more than one year history of abdominal distension and a weight gain of 10 kilograms. He is asymptomatic and walks 2000-3000 meters a day without angor or dyspnea. The physical examination shows moderate abdominal distension, with no hepatosplenomegaly or edema, and there is mild jugular vein distension. The studies performed (complete laboratory work up, paracentesis, liver biopsy, echocardiogram, intrahepatic pressure measurements, etc.) showed a chylous ascites related to portal hypertension, and left ventricular dysfunction was the only probable cause found., Conclusion: Asymptomatic heart dysfunction can mimic liver disease and should be kept in mind as a cause of chylous ascites.

An 11-yr-old female cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) was diagnosed clinically with hepatic and renal disease and euthanatized after an extended illness. Postmortem examination revealed 8-10 L of milky white fluid in the abdominal cavity and markedly dilated lymphatic vessels within the intestinal mesentery. The abdominal fluid was a chylous effusion based on the cytologic predominance of lymphocytes and macrophages and comparison of cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the fluid and in serum. Gross and histopathologic lesions in the liver were consistent with a diagnosis of venoocclusive liver disease. Chylous ascites is uncommon with human chronic liver disease and is rarely identified in animals.

The prenatal diagnosis and perinatal outcome of two patients with isolated foetal ascites compatible with chyloperitoneum is described. The foetal ascites resolved spontaneously after delivery with good perinatal outcome in both cases. A good prognosis can be anticipated in such cases. Antepartum and intrapartum interventions are seldom necessary.

Unlabelled: Lymphoscintigraphy allows functional assessment of lymphatic transport and depiction of regional lymph nodes, is fast and nontraumatic and has no known side effects. We retrospectively analyzed lymphoscintigraphic studies to determine their efficacy in the investigation of chyluria, chyloperitoneum and chylothorax., Methods: Twenty-one whole-body lymphoscintigrams using 99mTc-antimony sulfide colloid or dextran were acquired in 18 patients with chyluria, chyloperitoneum and/or chylothorax. The images were reviewed to assess the rate of tracer transport and number, size and distribution of lymph vessels and nodes as well as the presence of collateral, fistula or lymph reflux., Results: Lymphoscintigraphy was normal (5 of 11 patients) or showed lymphatic obstruction (6 of 11 patients) in chyluria associated with filariasis. Lymphatic obstruction was demonstrated in chyloperitoneum and/or chylothorax associated with liver cirrhosis (2 patients), postoperative (1 patient) or congenital (1 patient) lymphatic dysplasia, inferior vena cava obstruction (1 patient) and nephrotic syndrome (1 patient). Enhanced lymph flow was seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (1 patient). Follow-up lymphoscintigrams showed patency of lymphovenous anastomosis (1 patient), improvement (1 patient) or no change (1 patient) in lymphatic drainage after treatment., Conclusion: Lymphoscintigraphy can demonstrate abnormal lymphatic drainage in chyluria, chyloperitoneum and chylothorax. It is useful for selecting patients for surgery and assessing the effect of treatment.

Chylous leakage is an unusual complication following anterior spinal surgery. This leakage can occur as a result of traumatic injury to the thoracic duct, the cisterna chyli, or the retroperitoneal lymphatic vessels. The authors present case reports of three patients who underwent anterior spinal surgical procedures inadvertently complicated by an injury to the lymphatic system. All patients were managed nonoperatively with tube drainage and hyperalimentation and had uneventful recoveries.

Lymphatic abnormalities resulting in chylous effusion into a body cavity are uncommon in domestic animals. In a 6-day-old calf admitted to our hospital because of failure to suckle and abdominal distention, however, mesenteric lymphangiography revealed an obstruction of lymphatic flow. Laparoscopic examination of the abdomen was unsuccessful. Fluid accumulation was resolved in this calf by drainage. In cattle with chylothorax and concurrent chyloperitoneum in which a traumatic lesion of the thoracic duct is possible, conservative management, with drainage and supportive treatment, should be attempted prior to considering surgical intervention.

Unlabelled: A 7-yr-old girl developed persistent ascites following renal transplantation., Methods: Renal scintigraphy periodically performed to monitor renal function of the transplanted kidney showed increased 99mTc-DTPA in the abdominal cavity on delayed imaging., Results: Paracentesis demonstrated a cloudy yellow, odorless fluid which was identified as chylous ascites, an extremely rare complication of abdominal vascular surgery., Conclusion: Technetium-99m-DTPA in the peritoneal cavity following renal transplantation should be recognized as a sign suggestive of chylous ascites.