A case of refractory chylous ascites associated with liver cirrhosis successfully treated with propranolol

Abstract

A 73-year-old woman arrived at our hospital because of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease cirrhosis. Her abdominal distension worsened, and she was admitted to our department. She did not have a history of trauma or surgery and no evidence of infectious diseases or malignant tumors; thus, chylous ascites was suspected due to liver cirrhosis. After starting an injection therapy, ascites decreased, and she was discharged from the hospital. However, ascites recurred post-discharge. Lypiodol-based lymphangiography did not detect a clear leak site. Administering propranolol improved the ascites. Chylous ascites may be observed in liver cirrhosis. The mechanism of its occurrence is considered related to increased portal pressure. Propranolol seemed to be an effective treatment for chylous ascites due to liver cirrhosis.