"Chyliform ascites" is a medical condition where lymphatic fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, causing swelling. When pronounced, "chyliform" is spelled with a soft "ch" sound, similar to the "sh" sound, followed by a long "i" sound and a stressed "l". It is transcribed as /ˈkaɪləfɔrm/. "Ascites" is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and clearly enunciated vowel sounds, transcribed as /əˈsaɪtiz/. Together, the spelling of "chyliform ascites" denotes the specific diagnosis of this medical condition.
Chyliform ascites is a medical condition characterized by the presence of milky or turbid fluid in the abdominal cavity. It is a form of ascites, which refers to the accumulation of excessive fluid within the peritoneal cavity. Chyliform ascites derives its name from the resemblance of the fluid to chyle, a milky fluid produced in the small intestine during digestion.
The fluid found in chyliform ascites is composed of triglycerides, cholesterol, and other lipid substances. It accumulates due to the disruption or obstruction of the lymphatic system, which normally carries chyle and other lymphatic fluid from the intestines to the bloodstream. This disruption can occur due to various factors such as infection, inflammation, trauma, or tumors.
The presence of chyliform ascites can be diagnosed through various tests, including physical examination, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or analysis of the fluid obtained through a procedure called paracentesis. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, which may include antibiotics for infection, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical interventions to correct lymphatic obstruction.
Chyliform ascites can lead to complications such as nutritional deficiencies, malnutrition, or impaired immune function, due to the loss of important nutrients and proteins in the chylous fluid. The prognosis of chyliform ascites depends on the underlying condition causing lymphatic disruption or obstruction. With appropriate treatment and management of the underlying cause, it is possible to alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes.
A. Adiposus, the presence of a milky fluid, containing suspended fat, in the peritoneal cavity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "chyliform ascites" is a medical term used to describe the presence of chyle-like fluid in the peritoneal cavity, which is the area within the abdomen that contains organs such as the liver, intestines, and stomach.
The etymology of "chyliform" can be traced back to two components: "chyle" and "form".
- "Chyle" comes from the Latin word "chylus", which originated from the Greek word "khulos". It refers to a milky fluid that is formed in the small intestine during the digestion and absorption of fats. The term "chyle" has been used in medical context since the 17th century.
- The suffix "form" is derived from the Latin word "forma", meaning "shape" or "appearance". In medical terminology, it is commonly used to indicate a similarity or resemblance to a particular form or structure.