[Sclerosis of the intestinal lymphatic vessels]

Fibrosis of the intestinal lymphatic vessels, produced in one case by tuberculosis and, in the other, by appendicitis and peritonitis, caused blockage of the main lymphatic vessels causing, clinically, a protein-losing enteropathy similar to that noted in congenital lymphatic diseases of childhood. In the laboratory, there was noted a fall in serum protein, lipid and cholesterol. A fat absorption test was very abnormal showing a flat curve. During laparotomy, there was discovered on the small intestine, the same layout of lymph vessels, resembling a lace network, as that observed in congenital malformations. Intestinal lymphography showed considerable stasis of the opaque substance and absence of injection of the lymph vessels in the mesentery.