Conservatively managed spontaneous chylous ascites in a non alcoholic cirrhotic patient – case report and literature review

Abstract

Chylous ascites is characterised by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It is a rare presentation of liver cirrhosis; it can be the initial presentation or can occur in the course of the disease. Although in developing countries the main causes were tuberculosis and filariasis, this is the case of chylous ascites due to non alcoholic liver cirrhosis. In the present case the chylous ascites was an incidental finding, and it was well responded to initial conservative management. With the next six months of follow up it was noted that the patient was in remission. This case showed that if there is no great suspicion of malignancy the invasive diagnostic investigations are not needed and treating the underlying condition is the crucial step in the management.