[Sclerosis of the intestinal lymphatic vessels]. / Sclérose des lymphatiques intestinaux

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.