Chyluria in a Postpartum Obese Female Patient

Chyluria characterized by the passage of milky white urine is rarely encountered these days due to the overall reduction in the number of cases of lymphatic filariasis. Though lymphatic filariasis accounts for the majority of cases of chyluria, nonparasitic causes have also been reported. Case reports of chyluria as a complication in pregnancy have been published but chyluria presenting solely as a postpartum complication has rarely been documented. We present a case of a 29-year-old female with no known prior comorbidities, who presented with recurring complaints of the painless passage of milky white urine over the last year. Symptoms seem to have started six months post-delivery of her second child. The patient claimed significant weight gain during an otherwise normal pregnancy. She was well-built and had a BMI of 32 kg/m(2). Her systemic examination and baseline laboratory workup were within normal limits. Postprandial urine was milky white, rich in chylomicrons, with urine chylomicrons of 112 mg/dl. The patient was screened for filariasis, which was negative. An ultrasound of the abdomen was done to rule out the presence of a fistula, but no evidence of one was found on imaging. Tc-99m sulfur colloid scintigraphy revealed an area of abnormal tracer accumulation in the abdomen with the passage of the tracer in the urine container, confirming the presence of chyluria. The patient was recommended to undergo conservative management with dietary modification and weight reduction. She has been closely followed up and has achieved spontaneous resolution of the chyluria. Most patients with chyluria show a good response to conservative management alone as in our case. Surgical intervention is usually indicated for cases not responding to conservative management or for refractory chyluria.