Chylous ascites due to idiopathic chronic pancreatitis managed with endoscopic stenting

Abstract

Chylous ascites is an uncommon clinical entity, which usually results from congenital or acquired abnormality in proper lymphatic flow. While the common causes are related to trauma, malignancy or tuberculosis, pancreatic disorders can occasionally result in chylous ascites. Sporadic cases of chylous ascites due to acute or chronic pancreatitis or surgery for pancreatitis have been reported. The usual management is with medium chain triglycerides (MCT), total parenteral nutrition and octreotide. We report a case of a young male with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis who presented with chylous ascites which did not respond to MCT based diet and octreotide. The patient improved with endoscopic pancreatic duct stenting.

Keywords: Chylous ascites; Endoscopic stenting; Pancreatitis.