Unusual Unveiling: Hodgkin's Lymphoma Manifesting as Chylous Ascites

Abstract

Chylous ascites, an infrequent manifestation of ascites characterized by a triglyceride-rich milky fluid, is associated with lymphatic system disruption resulting from obstruction or post-traumatic injury. It is an unusual complication of lymphomas, which nonetheless represent the primary cause in adults in developed countries, often due to abdominal lymphatic obstruction. We present the case of a 71-year-old woman who presented with abdominal distension attributed to chylous ascites, ultimately revealing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Palpable peripheral lymph nodes and enlarged lombo-aortic lymph nodes on abdominal CT scans indicated the diagnosis of stage IV centrofollicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma (Ann Arbor classification). The chylous ascites resolved with chemotherapy treatment.