- Chyle
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Chyle (from the Greek word chylos, meaning juice[1]) is a milky bodily fluid consisting of lymph and emulsified fats, or free fatty acids (FFAs). It is formed in the small intestine during digestion of fatty foods, and taken up by lymph vessels specifically known as lacteals. The relative low pressure of the lacteals allows large fatty acid molecules to diffuse into them, whereas the higher pressure in veins allows only smaller products of digestion, like amino acids and sugars, to diffuse into the blood directly.[2][3]
Contents
Pathology
A chyle fistula is a leakage of lymphatic fluid from the lymphatic vessels, typically accumulating in the thoracic or abdominal cavities.[4]
Treatment of a chyle fistula relies on ligation of the duct. This is because direct repair is impractical owing to the extreme friability of the thoracic duct.
An alternative treatment is the subcutaneous use of the drug octreotide (a synthetic analogue of somatostatin). This can lead to complete resolution of production of chyle, and avoids the need for surgery.[5]
See also
References
See also: chylomicron
- ^ Mosby’s Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary, Fourth Edition, Mosby-Year Book Inc., 1994, p. 335
- ^ Magendie, Par F. Elementary Treatise on Human Physiology originally published in French 1838, translated into English and published 1855 by Harper Brothers, New York
- ^ Lipid Transport and Digestion
- ^ Tessier, Deron J , MD, Chyle fistula eMedicine; Jan 10, 2008; accessed Feb 2008
- ^ Mincher L, Evans J, Jenner MW, Varney VA. The successful treatment of chylous effusions in malignant disease with octreotide. Clinical Oncology. 2005 Apr;17(2):118-21. [1]
External links
Categories:- Body fluids
- Digestive system
- Lymphatic system
- Medicine stubs
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