Background
Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare condition of impaired lymphatic flow. Several forms are recognized: primary or congenital malformation (Waldmann’s disease) [1], or secondary to a related localized obstructing pathology [2, 3]. The elevated pressure of the lymphatic drainage in the intestinal wall results in the leakage of lymphatic fluid and the manifestation of an exudative enteropathy with hypoproteinemia, peripheral edema, low serum gammaglobulin and/or lymphocytopenia. However, asymptomatic cases also have been described [4].
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References
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Multiple Choice Questionnaire
-
1)
Intestinal lymphangiectasia is
-
a.
characterized by dilated lymphatic ducts in the bowel wall
-
b.
associated with hypoproteinemia, edema, hypogammaglobulin, lymphocytopenia
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c.
primary or secondary
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d.
mainly diagnosed by endoscopy and histology
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e.
all of the above
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a.
-
2)
Secondary forms of intestinal lymphangiectasia are
-
a.
associated with systemic disorders
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b.
characterized by diffuse small bowel involvement
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c.
differentiated according to the endoscopic features
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d.
diagnosed by CT scan or MRI
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e.
related to advanced abdominal cancer
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a.
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3)
Endoscopic features of intestinal lymphangiectasia include
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a.
multiple scattered pinpoint white spots
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b.
diffuse prominent villi with whitish-discolored tips
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c.
focal small whitish macules or nodules
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d.
segmental or diffuse
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e.
all of the above
-
a.
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4)
Intestinal lymphangiectasia is
-
a.
characterized by exudative enteropathy but can be asymptomatic
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b.
treated with a low-fat diet with medium chain tryglicerides and vitamin supplementation
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c.
associated with a very low risk of lymphoma
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d.
all of the above
-
e.
requires surgery for a definitive resolution
-
a.
1. e — 2.d — 3.e — 4.d
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Iacopini, F., Rigato, P., Calabrese, E., Scozzarro, A. (2013). Isolated Polypoid Primary Lymphangiectasia of the Terminal Ileum. In: Trecca, A. (eds) Atlas of Ileoscopy. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5205-5_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5205-5_2
Publisher Name: Springer, Milano
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