Ultrasonographic features of long-standing primary intestinal lymphangiectasia.

This article describes a case of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia associated with protein-losing enteropathy and lower right leg lympoedema in a 20-year-old woman. Echographic findings showed dilation of the intestinal loops, regular and diffuse thickening of the walls, plical hypertrophy and impressive mesenteric oedema. Although diagnosis of the disease is substantially histological, the ultrasonographic characteristics of the lesions are fairly indicative and of certain diagnosis usefulness in patients with protein-losing enteropathy. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.