Fat absorption in patients with functional intestinal lymphangiectasia and lymphangiectic cysts.

Nine patients with endoscopically identified dilated lacteals of the duodenum were studied for evidence of pathologic intestinal lymphangiectasia. Three of the nine patients also had lymphangietic cysts in association with dilated lacteals. Duodenal biopsies, laboratory data, and imaging studies were performed in each patient. In addition, a 14 C triolein fat absorption study was performed to assess subclinical malabsorption. Biopsies revealed dilated lymphatic channels in all patients, but laboratory studies failed to suggest intestinal losses of protein or fat, and radiographic abdominal imaging failed to define any of the causes of secondary lymphangiectasia