Intestinal lymphangiectasia masquerading as coeliac disease

Summary

Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) usually presents with either non-specific general or gastro-intestinal symptoms. As IL may mimic other gastro-intestinal disorders, the diagnosis is often delayed. Intestinal lymphangiectasia was diagnosed in three children who were originally treated as cases of coeliac disease. Two were sisters who had been placed on a gluten-free diet, for 3 years in one and 10 years in the other, with no favourable response. The third patient had been tried on various formulae and underwent many investigations for failure to thrive, oedema, abdominal distension and recurrent chest infections. The diagnosis of IL was based on clinical history, physical examination and radiological and histological findings. The three patients were commenced on a medium-chain triglyceride-based diet and vitamins, with satisfactory results.