Idiopathic protein-losing enteropathy in an adult, with apparently complete recovery

Abstract In an adult with protein-losing enteropathy and chylous pleural effusions overt intestinal malabsorption subsequently developed. After seven years of severe hypoproteinemia, complete clinical remission has occurred, and the patient has had normal serum proteins and no evidence of intestinal dysfunction for eighteen months, during which time gluten has been excluded from his diet. Peroral biopsy specimens taken during this remission have failed to demonstrate any histologic abnormality of the small intestine. It is concluded that intestinal lymphangiectasia may not be the only cause for idiopathic protein-losing enteropathy.