Renal lymphangiectasia presented by pleural effusion and ascites

Abstract

A young male patient complaining of vague abdominal pain, dyspnea, generalized weakness and abdominal distension for 6 months was referred for abdominal ultrasound. Ultrasound showed enlarged echogenic kidneys, perinephric and renal sinus cystic fluid collections bilaterally with ascites and right pleural effusion. The ultrasound findings were confirmed by abdomen CT scan. Renal function test was within normal. Laboratory analysis of aspirated perinephric fluid revealed abundant lymphocytes. The radiological findings and perinephric fluid aspiration analysis are consistent with renal lymphangiectasia. Pleural effusion, in addition to ascites and perinephric fluid collections, is a new presentation of the disease. Ascites and pleural effusion were improved by diuretics.