A case of idiopathic chylous ascites

Chylous ascites is a rare condition found in 1 in 20 000 patients admitted to hospital with abdominal distention. It is caused by a limited number of pathologies but can, in rare situations, be idiopathic. Its management is difficult and usually involves correcting the primary pathology, making idiopathic chylous ascites particularly difficult to manage. We present a case of idiopathic chylous ascites extensively investigated over a period of several years. An incidental finding of B cell lymphoma was initially suspected to have been the primary cause of the ascites; however, after successful treatment of this condition, the patient’s ascites did not resolve. Diagnostic difficulties and management are discussed and an overview of the diagnostic process is outlined through this case.