INTESTINAL LYMPHANGIECTASIA - VALUE OF TC-99M DEXTRAN LYMPHOSCINTIGRAPHY

Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a common cause of protein-losing entero pathy characterized by diarrhea, generalized edema, enteric protein lo ss, hypoproteinemia, and lymphopenia. Diagnosis is based on demonstrat ion of enteric protein loss and characteristic small bowel mucosal his tology. Various imaging modalities including barium studies, computed tomography, and lymphangiography have had limited clinical use. The au thors report a case of intestinal lymphangiectasia in which Tc-99m dex tran lymphoscintigraphy played a significant role in the patient manag ement.