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Case Reports
. 2023 Jan 20;15(1):e34008.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.34008. eCollection 2023 Jan.

Milky Ascites: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Baha Aldeen Bani Fawwaz  1 , Arooj Mian  1 , Gurdeep Singh  1 , Aimen Farooq  1 , Abu Hurairah  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Milky Ascites: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Baha Aldeen Bani Fawwaz et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Chylous ascites is a milky-appearing, triglyceride-rich fluid within the abdominal cavity. It is a rare finding that arises from the disruption of the lymphatic system and can be caused by a wide variety of pathologies. Here, we present a diagnostically challenging case of chylous ascites. In this article, we discuss the pathophysiology and various etiologies of chylous ascites, explore the diagnostic tools available, and highlight the management strategies implemented in this rare finding.

Keywords: abdominal paracentesis; ascites; chyloperitoneum; chylous ascites; cirrhosis; lymphatic abnormalities; milky ascites; peritoneal fluid.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Paracentesis revealed milky and turbid-appearing ascitic fluid
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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