In children and adults with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), lymphatic channels originating from the liver and connecting to the intestine, or channels originating in the intestine, create leaks in the intestinal wall, leading to an abnormally low level of albumin (a protein made by the liver), electrolytes, coagulants and even T-cells.
The world-renowned experts in the Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders developed a specialized imaging technique — dynamic contrast magnetic resonance lymphangiography (DCMRL) — that is used to pinpoint the exact source of lymphatic leaks. During this procedure, an MRI contrast agent (a safe, injectable dye) is injected directly into the lymphatic system and tracked by MRI. In some cases, a special blue dye injected into lymphatic channels can further aid localization of lymphatic leaks.
Transcript
Lymphatic Leakage in Protein-losing Enteropathy (PLE) Video
Narrator: In this video, we are using an endoscope, a long flexible tube with a camera on the end, to see inside the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Here, we see two streams of lymphatic fluid spilling through the duodenum wall. When we inject blue dye into the liver's lymphatic system, the streams in the duodenum turn blue, confirming that the fluid is coming from the liver.
Related Centers and Programs: Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders