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Safari Vejin T, Zepeda ME, Yglesias BS, Devito P. Newfound features associated with Hennekam Syndrome ( Intestinal Lymphangiectasia-Lymphedema-Intellectual-Disability Syndrome) complicated with comorbid Waldmann's Disease resulting in Celiac Disease. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7891. [PMID: 38028107 PMCID: PMC10651965 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message Adequate evaluation of patients with Hennekam Syndrome (HS) is challenging for physicians, because of multi-organ involvement and complex pathophysiology. We report the first case in an African American with lymphedema, who developed protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and was successfully diagnosed with HS from cause-and-effect complications by Waldmann's Disease (WD) and comorbid Celiac Disease (CD). Abstract As far as we know, this is the 51st case of HS worldwide and the first one in an African American. The examined patient met all diagnostic criteria for HS, suggesting a dysfunction in the development of the lymphatic system, with associated comorbidities including developmental delay, gastrointestinal pathologies, facial and hearing abnormalities, and cardiac defects. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (WD) is a consequence of HS, which ultimately results in PLE and worsening interstitial lymph buildup. Based on our findings, CD, a complication not yet reported in HS, may arise from WD. Other autoimmune diseases may be seen in HS: a previous report demonstrated positive anti-thyroid stimulating hormone antibodies in HS patients. We propose that in HS, increased interstitial lymph (WD, if intestinal) with protein loss induces TNF-α- and IL-6-mediated immune reactions in the affected visceral organs, causing autoimmune pathologies. The interstitial lymph fluid-induced TNF-α and IL-6-mediated immunopathogenic reactions lead to inflammation and subsequent destruction of the intestinal mucosa. The chronic inflammatory increase in TGF-β causes gastric mucosa hypertrophy, which results in gastric fold thickening. Eventually, wider tight junctions develop, increasing gastric mucosa permeability, and leading to gastropathy. Considering the examined patient's history of gastroenteritis and the literature stating that CD is a non-mucosal cause of gastropathy and PLE, it is suggested that sequelae of GI complications occur in a cause-and-effect chain in HS. HS results in WD, which causes CD, resulting in hypertrophic gastropathy and loss of parietal and chief cells, eventually leading to malabsorption and PLE (Figure 1). HS primarily affects various organs due to inflammatory-mediated damage and accumulation of lymph fluid. Other findings for HS include keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye disease), fibrous lymphedema exhibiting lymphorrhea, chylous ascites, anemia, and parathyroid abnormalities. Immune impairment in HS predisposes patients to autoimmune disorders, therefore autoimmunity (CD) and WD are concomitant comorbidities of HS. HS-associated comorbidities are primarily due to inflammation and damage to immune cell transport or underlying health conditions affecting proper lymphatic function. However, it is suggested that HS mutations may disrupt the development of the lymphatic system leading to further complication. complications can be compound heterozygous, and there is a need for further research to identify nearby genes that can cause concomitant co-morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tannaz Safari Vejin
- Department of SurgeryTrumbull Regional Medical CenterWarrenOhioUSA
- AUA College and MedicineAntigua and Barbuda
| | | | | | - Peter Devito
- Department of SurgeryTrumbull Regional Medical CenterWarrenOhioUSA
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Feng H, Zou L, Zhai X, Zhang S, Li J. Hypomagnesemia in intestinal lymphangiectasia: a case report and review of the literature. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:246. [PMID: 35570283 PMCID: PMC9107688 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a rare disease characterized by dilation of lymphatic vessels and leakage of lymphatic fluids into the intestinal lumen, causing depletion of lymphocytes, protein, lipids, fat-soluble vitamins, and electrolytes. Hypomagnesemia can occur in IL patients but is seldom discussed. CASE PRESENTATION A 30-year-old Tibetan woman who had chronic diarrhea, edema, tetany, and tingling was diagnosed with IL. Prominent hypomagnesemia was noticed. She was treated with a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diet and nutrient supplementation with satisfactory results. We also present a systematic review of hypomagnesemia in IL cases from the published literature. CONCLUSIONS Hypomagnesemia may be an overlooked complication of IL, thus monitoring serum magnesium concentrations in IL patients is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Feng
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Linfeng Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiao Zhai
- Department of Endocrinology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shengyu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Jingnan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
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Kwon Y, Kim MJ. The Update of Treatment for Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2021; 24:413-422. [PMID: 34557394 PMCID: PMC8443852 DOI: 10.5223/pghn.2021.24.5.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease which is causing protein-losing enteropathy. Treatment of intestinal lymphangiectasia can be a challenge for clinicians because of the lack of specific guidelines regarding pharmacological indications. We sought to introduce a diagnostic approach and suggest guidelines for treatment. After exclusion of secondary intestinal lymphangiectasia, magnetic resonance lymphangiography is a promising tool for the assessment of abnormal lymphatic lesions in primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. Determining the extent of the lesion provides direction for treatment options. Focal short-segment intestinal lymphangiectasia can be treated via intestinal resection or radiologic embolization after dietary therapy failure. Diffuse intestinal lymphangiectasia and extensive lymphangiectasia should be treated with several drugs with a full understanding of their mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyoung Kwon
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Jin Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Maciel GSB, de Mello BS, Loss DR, Quintão MS, Marchesi CA, Beiriz YDR, Corassa JM. Intestinal lymphangiectasia in an adult: case report. J Vasc Bras 2021; 20:e20200160. [PMID: 34188668 PMCID: PMC8210642 DOI: 10.1590/1677-5449.200160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a group of rare diseases characterized by dilation of lymphatic channels. Its pathophysiology comprises obstruction of small bowel lymphatic drainage with secondary dilation of mucosal, submucosal, or subserous lymphatic vessels, distorting villous architecture and causing loss of lymph into the intestinal lumen, leading to malabsorption. The affected lymphatic vessels are primarily located in the small intestine, which is affected to a varying extent. Its etiology is still unknown. The following report presents a rare case of intestinal lymphangiectasia in an adult patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Sasso Benso Maciel
- Hospital Santa Paula, Vitória, ES, Brasil.,Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória - HSCMV, Vitória, ES, Brasil
| | - Brenno Seabra de Mello
- Hospital Santa Paula, Vitória, ES, Brasil.,Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória - HSCMV, Vitória, ES, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Yasmin de Rezende Beiriz
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória - EMESCAM, Vitória, ES, Brasil
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Kwon Y, Kim ES, Choe YH, Hyun D, Kim MJ. Therapeutic Lymphatic Embolization in Pediatric Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia. Yonsei Med J 2021; 62:470-473. [PMID: 33908219 PMCID: PMC8084696 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2021.62.5.470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) can cause leakage of lymphatic fluids into the gastrointestinal tract, eventually leading to protein-losing enteropathy. A 15-year-old male patient, whose disease began at the age of 8 years, recently felt worsening general weakness. After diagnosing abnormal lymphatic lesions in the duodenum through endoscopy with biopsy and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography, glue embolization of the leaking duodenal lymphatic channel was successfully performed. This procedure is typically reserved for adult patients, although as shown in this case, it can be properly performed in children. His serum albumin level was initially 1.5 g/dL, but elevated to 5.0 g/dL after two sessions of lymphatic embolization. Accordingly, we suggest that embolization could potentially be considered a first-line treatment for focal lesions of primary intestinal IL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyoung Kwon
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Sil Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yon Ho Choe
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dongho Hyun
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Jin Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Kwon Y, Kim ES, Choe YH, Kim MJ. Individual approach for treatment of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in children: single-center experience and review of the literature. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:21. [PMID: 33407260 PMCID: PMC7789338 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02447-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease. Thus, prospective studies are impossible, and therapy is still controversial. Several medicines are suggested for treatment but there are no existing indications for drug choice and treatment guidelines. We aimed to introduce the action mechanism of each drug and treatment overview in a single-center experience and a review of the literature on second-line therapy for primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. Method Children under 18 years old diagnosed with intestinal lymphangiectasia from June 2000 to June 2020 were included and retrospectively reviewed in the study. Capsule endoscopy, MR lymphangiography, or whole-body MRI for investigating the extent of abnormal lymphatic vessels in addition to endoscopy and biopsy were conducted. The individual treatment approaches depended upon the lymphangiectasis locations involved. Results Only one patient showed a response to dietary therapy. One patient was successfully cured after two therapeutic lymphatic embolization. Octreotide was tried for two patients who had extensive lymphangiectasis. Lymphangiectasis recurred when octreotide was used for 3 months in one patient, and there was no effect in the other patient. Sirolimus was tried for four patients. Two of them had abnormal lymphatic lesions only in the intestine, and the others had extensive lymphangiectasis. The former group showed clinical improvement after 3–4 months of sirolimus treatment, whereas the latter group showed clinical improvement only after 1 month of sirolimus treatment. Conclusion Surgery or embolization is a potential therapeutic option for patients with focal abnormal lymphatic lesions. Octreotide is not an optimal choice for patients with extensive lymphangiectasis. Sirolimus is an effective and safe drug and can be the first drug of choice for patients with extensive lymphangiectasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyoung Kwon
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, South Korea
| | - Eun Sil Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, South Korea
| | - Yon Ho Choe
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, South Korea.
| | - Mi Jin Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, South Korea.
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Huber R, Semmler G, Mayr A, Offner F, Datz C. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in an adult patient: A case report and review of literature. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:7707-7718. [PMID: 33505146 PMCID: PMC7789053 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i48.7707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL), first described in 1961, is a rare disorder of unknown etiology resulting in protein-losing enteropathy. The disease is characterized by dilatation and leakage of intestinal lymph vessels leading to hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and lymphopenia. Since the severity and location of lymph vessels being affected can vary considerably, the range of associated symptoms is wide from mild lower-limb edema to generalized edema, abdominal and/or pleural effusion, and recurrent diarrhea, among others. Although usually developing in early childhood, we present the case of a 34-year-old woman with PIL. Moreover, we performed a literature review systematically assessing clinical presentation, and provide a practical approach to facilitate diagnosis and therapy of PIL in adults.
CASE SUMMARY Our patient presented with unspecific symptoms of abdominal discomfort, fatigue, nausea, and recurrent edema of the lower limbs. Interestingly, a striking collinearity of clinical symptoms with female hormone status was evident. Additionally, polyglobulia, hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and transient lymphocytopenia were evident. Due to suspicion of a bone marrow disease, an extensive diagnostic investigation was carried out excluding secondary causes of polyglobulinemia and hypoalbuminemia. The diagnosis of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia was established after 22 wk by histological analysis of biopsy samples obtained via enteroscopy. Consecutively, the patient was put on a high-protein and low-fat diet with medium-chain triglycerides supplementation leading to significant improvement of clinical symptoms until 2 years of follow-up.
CONCLUSION PIL can be the reason for cryptogenic hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and lymphopenia in adulthood. Due to difficulty in correct diagnosis, treatment initiation is often delayed despite being effective and well-tolerated. This leads to a significant disease burden in affected patients. PIL is increasingly been recognized in adults since the majority of case reports were published within the last 10 years, pointing towards an underestimation of the true prevalence. The association with female hormone status warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Huber
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Oberndorf 5110, Austria
| | - Georg Semmler
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Oberndorf 5110, Austria
| | - Alexander Mayr
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Oberndorf 5110, Austria
| | - Felix Offner
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital Feldkirch, Feldkirch 6800, Austria
| | - Christian Datz
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Oberndorf 5110, Austria
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