Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Chylous Ascites?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Chylous ascites refers to a leakage of a natural bodily fluid called chyle into the abdominal cavity from a duct in the lymphatic system. It is a rare condition that can be caused by many different factors. Blunt trauma to the abdomen, cancer, liver cirrhosis, and surgical procedures can all lead to this condition. Without treatment, a person can experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. Treatment measures are targeted at finding and fixing the underlying cause in enough time to prevent serious complications.

Chyle is a thick, white substance comprised mainly of triglycerides and other fatty deposits absorbed by the small intestine. The substance travels through small lymphatic vessels to the main thoracic duct, where it can then drain and feed throughout the body. An obstruction in the thoracic duct, lymph node, or another element of the lymphatic system can cause a rupture that leaks chyle into the open spaces in the abdomen.

One of the first signs of chylous ascites is a bad stomach ache.
One of the first signs of chylous ascites is a bad stomach ache.

The most common causes of chylous ascites are primary or secondary cancers of the lymph nodes. Tumors obstruct lymph ducts, cause irritation, and eventually lead to ruptures. Chronic inflammatory conditions such as tuberculosis and cirrhosis can also lead to lymphatic complications, as can severe, direct injury to the abdomen. When the condition is present in children, congenital defects of the thoracic duct are usually found. Occasionally, chylous ascites is an accidental consequence of surgery to correct an abdominal hernia or remove a cancerous lymph node.

Chylous ascites refers to a leakage of a natural bodily fluid called chyle into the abdominal cavity from a duct in the lymphatic system.
Chylous ascites refers to a leakage of a natural bodily fluid called chyle into the abdominal cavity from a duct in the lymphatic system.

The first signs of chylous ascites usually include slight distention of the abdomen and feelings of nausea. A person might feel like he or she has a bad stomach ache, which can cause a loss of appetite. Fever, fatigue, and weakness are common as chyle continues to accumulate. Additional symptoms such as jaundice, joint aches, anemia, and head pain may be present as well, depending on the underlying cause.

Chyle is transported through the lymphatic system and eventually drains into the thoracic duct, a large lymphatic vessel found on the left side of the torso.
Chyle is transported through the lymphatic system and eventually drains into the thoracic duct, a large lymphatic vessel found on the left side of the torso.

Doctors can usually diagnose this condition by evaluating physical symptoms and taking diagnostic imaging scans of the abdomen. To confirm the diagnosis, a thin, hollow needle is inserted into the cavity to draw a sample of fluid. Ascites is evaluated in a hospital lab to make sure that it is indeed chyle buildup.

Treatment for chylous ascites typically involves starting a low-fat diet and using diuretics to help flush the body. A patient who experiences severe symptoms may need to be hospitalized so that a shunt can be placed in the abdomen to draw out excess chyle. If a tumor is discovered, it may need to be removed surgically to stop chyle leakage. Most patients are able to recover quickly from chylous ascites, but ongoing treatments and monitoring are usually needed to combat underlying chronic health problems.

Discussion Comments

anon989957

Can the ascites be formed following lung transplant surgery?

anon989956

Can ascites form in body areas such as beneath the supraspinatus muscle below the scapula?

CrazyGamer6

I have never heard of this substance called chyle. I also have never heard of any type of fluid or substance leaking into the abdominal cavity. Aside from the symptoms listed above are there any others that should be observed before one can conclude that the issue is the same as the one listed above.

aageon

I would be concerned to know there are fluids that are leaking in my body into places that it shouldn't be. And I wonder what would be an acceptable time frame for letting this go before you reach critical mass and would need a long term hospital stay.

Grinderry

This sounds painful and I am wondering if it can lead to even more sever conditions. The swelling of the abdomen can become a problem in the future especially if it's not dealt with right away.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • One of the first signs of chylous ascites is a bad stomach ache.
      By: Julija Sapic
      One of the first signs of chylous ascites is a bad stomach ache.
    • Chylous ascites refers to a leakage of a natural bodily fluid called chyle into the abdominal cavity from a duct in the lymphatic system.
      By: probiotic
      Chylous ascites refers to a leakage of a natural bodily fluid called chyle into the abdominal cavity from a duct in the lymphatic system.
    • Chyle is transported through the lymphatic system and eventually drains into the thoracic duct, a large lymphatic vessel found on the left side of the torso.
      By: designua
      Chyle is transported through the lymphatic system and eventually drains into the thoracic duct, a large lymphatic vessel found on the left side of the torso.
    • An ultrasound can be used to investigate a chyle leakage.
      By: nyul
      An ultrasound can be used to investigate a chyle leakage.
    • Chylous ascites is sometimes linked to cirrhosis of the liver, which is typically caused by chronic alcohol abuse.
      By: yellowj
      Chylous ascites is sometimes linked to cirrhosis of the liver, which is typically caused by chronic alcohol abuse.
    • If chylous ascites progresses, a patient may experience fever, fatigue, and weakness.
      By: Кирилл Рыжов
      If chylous ascites progresses, a patient may experience fever, fatigue, and weakness.
    • Symptoms of chylous ascites may include head pain.
      By: FMTURRINI
      Symptoms of chylous ascites may include head pain.
    • Chylous ascites may occur as a consequence of surgery to correct an abdominal hernia.
      By: araraadt
      Chylous ascites may occur as a consequence of surgery to correct an abdominal hernia.
    • Blunt trauma to the abdomen may be the cause of chylous ascites.
      By: danilobiancalana
      Blunt trauma to the abdomen may be the cause of chylous ascites.