Intestinal Lymphangiectasia

What Is Intestinal Lymphangiectasia?

Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a very rare disease whereby small lymphatic vessels in the intestines swell up and lose their contents into the gut containing protein and fat. In the long run, the leakage may cause a phenomenon known as swelling (edema), inefficient absorption of nutrients, and a more severe chance of attracting infection.

Common Symptoms

Patients with intestinal lymphangiectasia may experience:

• Chronic diarrhea, often greasy or oily
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen (edema)
• Unintentional weight loss
• Low energy or persistent weakness
• Low blood protein levels (hypoproteinemia)
• Increased risk of blood clots

Causes

This condition can arise in two main forms:

• Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia: A congenital defect in lymph vessel development. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, blood tests, and endoscopic evaluation.
• Secondary intestinal lymphangiectasia: Occurs when another disease-such as an infection, heart disorder, or tumor-blocks lymph flow, causing the intestinal vessels to enlarge.

Treatment Options for Intestinal Lymphangiectasia in Katy

Treatment includes dietary therapy, supplements, medications, and monitoring:

• Low-fat high protein diet: Restricts the lymphatic circulation in the intestine and helps to keep healthy levels of proteins in your blood.
• Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) oil: This is a good source of easily absorbed fat that does not follow the broken lymph vessels.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements: Supplements lost nutrients—particularly vitamins A, D, E, and K—and minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
• Octreotide therapy: It is a drug that lowers the amount of lymph and fluid leaking into the intestines.
• Frequent blood tests: Measures nutritional status and risk of blood clotting by checking serum protein, albumin, and clotting factors.
• Follow-up visits: To be applied every 3–6 months to assess symptoms, make adjustments to treatment, and provide continuous assistance.
• Nutrition counseling: One-on-one counseling and individualized meal plans to assist you with dietary requirements.