Intestinal lymphangiectasia secondary to chronic midgut volvulus: A rare childhood presentation case report

Abstract

Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a rare and unusual condition characterized by the abnormal dilation of lymphatic vessels within the intestines. IL can arise from an intrinsic defect in lymphatic development or as a secondary consequence of factors that obstruct the lymphatic system. In this case study, a 2-year-old child presenting with chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and inadequate weight gain was ultimately diagnosed with IL secondary to chronic volvulus, confirmed by CT abdomen/pelvis and MRI abdomen, with persistent manifestations of protein losing enteropathy requiring two exploratory laparotomies. The condition in this patient was attributed to lymphatic obstruction resulting from recurrent episodes of midgut volvulus, which led to impaired lymphatic drainage and subsequent development of IL. The main takeaway from this case reports is the importance of IL to the differential diagnosis because early abdominal imaging and surgical interventions are lifesaving.