Background: Chylous ascites (CA) is very rare in the pediatric population. It is defined as whitish ascitic fluid with lymphocyte predominance. Congenital CA is probably the most common cause of CA in children. We report a case of an infant with CA; the cause of which remains unidentified, with full recovery. We have included a relevant literature review as well.
Case Presentation: A previously well 4-month-old baby girl was referred for worsening ascites. Despite extensive workup, no cause was found. Treatment options including diuretics, medium chain triglyceride formula (MCT) feeds, abdominal paracentesis, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were attempted. She recovered fully with no residual morbidity.
Conclusion: CA very rare in the pediatric population. Extensive workup excluded known causes and the yield was negative. Treatment is mainly supportive. MCT formula, fasting, and TPN were reported to have variable effects. Surgery could required in limited cases.
Key words: Congenital ascites, chylous, TPN, abdominal distension, case report.
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