This video from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) illustrates lymphatic leakage in PLE. https://www.chop.edu/conditions-disea...

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) refers to the loss of serum proteins from the digestive track. In many cases, this loss of protein is due to abnormalities in lymphatic flow.

In a healthy body, the lymphatic channels from the liver and mesentery drain toward the thoracic duct, which is the main lymphatic vessel responsible for lymph drainage. In children and adults with PLE, however, channels originating in the intestine or originating in the liver and connecting to the intestine begin to flow in the opposite direction, creating leaks in the intestinal wall. The duodenum (part of the small intestine) appears to be especially susceptible to this abnormality.

As lymphatic fluid spills in, there is no way for the body to absorb it. This fluid loss results in an abnormally low level of albumin (a protein made by the liver), electrolytes, coagulants and even T-cells. It can also lead to diarrhea and edema.

In the Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders at CHOP, children and adults with PLE are treated by the world’s most experienced specialists in lymphatic imaging and intervention.