Lymphangiectasia of the small intestine: description and pathophysiology of the roentgenographic signs.

Waldmann in 1961 redefined primary protein-losing gastroenteropathy and renamed the condition "lymphangiectasia". This abnormality, usually seen in infancy, is characterized by enlargement of folds and signs of hypersecretion in the small bowel. Enlargement of folds occurs secondary to edema of the valvulvae conniventes and lymphatic dilatation. Hypersecretion may be the result of rupture of dilated lymphatics or transudation of protein across an intact capillary epithelium. The clinical, roentgenographic, and pathologic findings are described. The pathophysiology of this condition is discussed.