Chylous ascites associated with primary pulmonary hypertension: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Chylous ascites is a rare condition that results from the accumulation of lymph in the abdominal cavity through a variety of mechanisms. We hereby report a case of chylous ascites in a 67-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital with abdominal distension, bilateral lower extremity edema, and shortness of breath on exertion. The patient had a long history of primary pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale, and diabetes mellitus. Imaging studies revealed massive peritoneal fluid, which, after drainage, was found to be consistent with chylous ascites. The patient received high doses of diuretics with a marked improvement in symptoms over the following days. There was no reaccumulation of ascites by the time of discharge. To the best of our knowledge, there are few cases in the literature where chylous ascites has been reported in association with primary pulmonary hypertension.