Chylous Ascites is a condition characterized by the accumulation of milky fluid in the abdomen. The term is derived from the Greek word "chylos," meaning "juice," and the Latin term "ascites," which refers to the accumulation of fluid in the body cavity. Pronounced as /kaɪləs əˈsaɪtiːz/, the spelling of Chylous Ascites is phonetically related to the sound of its actual pronunciation. This condition can be caused by various factors, including cancer, infections, and trauma. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and includes dietary changes, medications, and drainage procedures.
Chylous ascites is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of milky or creamy fluid in the abdominal cavity. It occurs when lymphatic fluid, known as chyle, leaks into the peritoneal cavity.
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance within the body. It collects excess fluid, fats, and proteins from tissues and returns them to the bloodstream. However, in cases of chylous ascites, there is a disruption in the normal flow of chyle. This can be caused by various factors, such as trauma, infection, or obstruction of the lymphatic vessels within the abdomen.
One of the primary symptoms of chylous ascites is abdominal swelling, which can cause discomfort and pain. The accumulation of chyle can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, as the fluid contains important fat-soluble vitamins and proteins. Therefore, affected individuals may experience weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Diagnosis of chylous ascites typically involves a physical examination, analysis of the fluid collected from the abdomen, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan. Treatment options include dietary modifications, particularly a low-fat diet, and the use of medications to reduce lymphatic flow. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or bypass the lymphatic vessels responsible for the chyle leakage.
Chylous ascites can be a chronic condition and may require long-term management to ensure quality of life for the affected individuals. Regular medical follow-ups and ongoing monitoring of fluid accumulation are necessary to prevent complications and optimize treatment outcomes.
A. chylosus, the presence of chyle in the peritoneal cavity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "chylous" comes from the Greek word "chylos", meaning "juice" or "juicy", referring specifically to the milky fluid called chyle. "Ascites" comes from the Greek word "askites", meaning "bagpipe", which was then used to describe the condition of abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Therefore, "chylous ascites" is a medical term that describes the accumulation of chyle in the abdominal cavity.