Aster RV Hospital undertook the case of a 24-year-old young woman suffering from intestinal lymphangiectasia, a rare condition that leads to malnutrition, low albumin levels, and severe fluid retention, profoundly affecting quality of life. The patient had consulted multiple hospitals and tried various treatments without improvement, leaving her severely debilitated, with minimal muscle mass, persistent vomiting, bloating, and fluid overload due to low albumin levels. Despite receiving albumin infusions and undergoing fluid removal procedures (ascitic tapping) at other hospitals, her condition continued to deteriorate.
When she arrived at Aster RV Hospital, under the care of Dr. Naveen Ganjoo, Senior Consultant Hepatologist, Integrated Liver Team, she was evaluated comprehensively and underwent an endoscopy, which confirmed the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia.
Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal dilation of intestinal lymphatic vessels, leading to protein loss, immune deficiencies, and chronic diarrhoea or fluid accumulation in the abdomen and limbs. Timely diagnosis is crucial, as this condition is often misdiagnosed, delaying appropriate treatment.
Following her diagnosis, the team at Aster RV Hospital initiated a structured treatment plan focusing on a strict high-protein, low-fat diet enriched with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), lifestyle modifications, and targeted medications including albumin infusions as needed. Through meticulous lab monitoring and dietary management, her albumin levels, which were critically low at 1.8 g/dL, gradually improved to a healthy range of 3.5–4 g/dL over six to eight months. The patient also regained her menstrual cycles, indicating systemic recovery, and progressively resumed her daily activities with improved strength and vitality.
Today, she has recently completed a solo trip, symbolizing her regained independence and quality of life. Her journey highlights that recovery in rare conditions like intestinal lymphangiectasia requires persistence, discipline, and a comprehensive, individualized approach.