“Non-Parasitic” and “Non-Iatrogenic” Chyluria: Its Diagnosis and Treatment

Chyluria occurs in all its forms with milky urine, recurrent episodes of acute urinary retention, left renal colic and proteinuria. In non-parasitic or iatrogenic diseases, it is secondary to communicate between the cisterna system of the chyli and the lymphatics of the calyx system of the left urinary tract with a retrograde passage of a kilo and its appearance in the urine which therefore take on a milky appearance [1, 2]. Sometimes, episodically, especially after the ingestion of a high-fat meal, the quantity of kilo is so abundant that it can cause obstruction of the upper urinary tract and of the bladder, resulting in renal colic or acute urinary retention that may require their unblocking with double J stent or bladder catheter [3, 4]. After conservative attempts with a fat-free diet or with the parenteral diet, in case of their failure, surgery must be performed by performing a para-aortic and renal hilum lymphadenectomy and, in severe cases, with intraperitonealization of the kidney and left ureter. This is the case of the patient reported below and successfully treated recently with an innovative “open” surgical technique.

Scrotal Lymphangiectasia with Penile Elephantiasis in Underlying Lymphatic Filariasis—Challenging the Diagnostic Mind! A Case Report

Background: A plethora of diseases manifest as acquired genital lymphangiectasias which clinically manifest as superficial vesicles. They range from infections such as tuberculosis to connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma and even malignancy. Amongst infectious etiologies, lymphatic filariasis leads as the cause for lymphatic obstruction. Despite this, acquired lymphangiectasias due to this cause are not commonly reported. An unusual case of acquired scrotal lymphangiectasia secondary to filariasis is detailed in this paper with dermoscopic and histologic findings. Methods: A 65-year-old male farmer presented with multiple, asymptomatic vesicles over the scrotum with thickened scrotal and penile skin that had occurred for six years. He gave past history of intermittent fever and milky urine, was diagnosed with filariasis and treated with diethylcarbamazine for a year, four years previously. Systemic complaints abated but the peno-scrotal lesions did not. Results: Polarized dermoscopy revealed multiple skin-colored nodules and translucent pale blue lacunae over the scrotum. A few radially arranged linear irregular vessels were noted over the nodules. On histopathology, multiple ectatic lymphatics were noted in the mid and upper dermis with acanthosis and superficial perivascular lymphocytes. Peripheral smear revealed eosinophils; however, microfilariae could not be detected despite repeated diethylcarbamazine provocation and night smears being taken. The findings were compatible with acquired scrotal lymphangiectasia secondary to treated lymphatic filariasis. Local hygiene was advised; however, procedural treatments were refused by the patient. Conclusion: Herein, we report an unusual case of acquired scrotal lymphangiectasia of the scrotum secondary to treated lymphatic filariasis. Very few similar reports exist. To the best of our knowledge, dermoscopic features of this condition have not been elucidated before. This case, detailing an uncommon manifestation of a common disease (filariasis), demonstrates the importance of careful history taking and examination. This was especially so in the present case since only circumstantial evidence of filariasis was noted in investigations. There is a need to heighten awareness of this unusual condition amongst physicians especially if the patient hails from an area endemic for filariasis.

Effectiveness of Single Dose Povidone Iodine Sclerotherapy for the Treatment of Chyluria

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of single dose 5 % povidone iodine renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy for the treatment for chyluria. Methods: In a prospective study from January 2009 and till June 2013, 47 patients presenting with milky urine (chyluria and hematochyluria) were included. Patients with other co-morbid illness like diabetes, urinary infection, renal stone disease, chronic pyelonehritis were excluded from the study. Apart from ether test, the presence of lymphocytes in urine and urine triglycerides levels were also done to confirm chyluria. Under local anesthesia, cystoscopic evaluation revealed right-sided efflux in 11 (23.4%), left-sided in 36 (76.6%), and no bilateral involvement was detected. 5F open-ended ureteric catheter was introduced in the ureteric orifice of affected side. Freshly prepared 10 ml of 5 % povidone iodine solution was instilled over a minute with the patient in Trendelenburg position. Results: Total of 47 patients were enrolled (26 males and 21 females; mean age 41 years, SD 8.4, range 29–71) with a mean follow-up of 12 months. Immediate clearance was seen in all patients and recurrence in 9 (19.15 %). Overall success rate 80.85%. Mean diseasefree duration was 12 months. Three patients had moderate to severe flank pain. Conclusion: Single dose 5 % povidone iodine sclerotherapy is a effective treatment for chyluria. As the patients discharged on the next day after procedure, it can be offered as a day care basis, so continuous ureteral and urethral catheterizations can be avoided. Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 18, No. 2, July 2015 p.74-78

A Patient with Milky Urine: Nonparasitic Chyluria and Silver Nitrate Sclerotherapy

Chyluria has become a rare clinical presentation in Sri Lanka, which may have a direct correlation with the low prevalence of lymphatic filariasis following the use of diethylcarbamazine and albendazole mass drug administration (MDA) for five rounds between 2002 and 2006. Here we report a 50-year-old male who presented with milky urine and progressive weight loss, diagnosed as having nonparasitic chyluria. The patient was initially managed with a trail of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) 6 mg/kg/day for 21 days and a low-fat diet with an unsatisfactory response. Subsequent management with endoscopic instillation of 0.5% silver nitrate brought in him a quick response, which was maintained for a year. Endoscopic sclerotherapy is considered a safer, effective and a minimally invasive treatment option for symptomatic patients.

Chyluria: An Unending Illness- A Case Report

Chyluria is the passage of milky urine due to a lymphourinary fistula. It is secondary to lymphatic stasis caused by obstruction of the lymphatic flow. It is caused by the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti in more than 95% of cases in tropical countries. Chyluria occurs in 2% of filarial-infested patients. When an abnormal connection between intestinal lacteals and the urinary tract develops, chyluria appears. The diagnostic approach is aimed to define the site of lymphourinary fistula. It is a benign disease that can be controlled by medical treatment and dietary restrictions. A small number of patients require surgical intervention. The 45-year-old thin built woman was suffering from chyluria, flank pain in the abdomen, weakness and loss of weight for the last 10 years. The serum test for circulating adult filarial antigen was positive in moderately high titer. Antifilarial treatment was advised. The symptoms improved for three months and again relapsed.

Nematode infections

In addition to the conditions discussed in other chapters in this section, renal involvement has been described in patients with other infections. These infections are usually encountered in the developing countries, especially of the tropical zone. The tropical environment is conducive to growth of a variety of life forms including infection-causing microorganisms and vectors responsible for disease transmission. Some renal pathology is related to immune responses to the organisms, and false-positive results in some tests of immunity/ autoimmunity may also be seen.Varieties include lymphatic filariasis, subcutaneous filariasis (including onchocerciasis), and serous filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis can cause milky urine with high levels of (non-glomerular) proteinuria. Four of the 8 nematode pathogenic species have been associated with glomerular disease.

Right-Crossed, Fused Renal Ectopia L-Shaped Kidney Type with Urinary Chyluria

Crossed fused renal ectopia combined with chyluria is extremely rare. Here we report the case of a patient who was admitted to our institution since milky urine and was finally found to have an L-shaped fused kidney and renal pelvis fistula. The patient was cured by renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy.

A Case of Milky Urine Due to Chyluria

Chyluria is an uncommon condition characterized by lymphatic fluid excretion into the urinary tract. Most common cause of chyluria is the infection by parasites e.g. filariasis. Medical treatment is often insufficient to treat the cases of chronic chyluria for which the standard treatment is surgical renal pedicle lymphatic disconnection. However, sclerotherapy by instillation of a sclerosant agent into the renal pelvis may represent an alternative to surgery. This technique has the advantage of being less invasive. We are presenting two cases, presented to us with the complaint of milky urine for more than 3 years. All tests for infectious diseases remained negative. Chyluria was confirmed by urinary chyle test and urinary triglyceride. Cystoscopy showed a clear diagnosis of a milky urine jet from ureteric orifice. Retrograde pyelography revealed pyelolymphatic fistula in one case. Patients were treated successfully with renal pelvic instillation of diluted povidone iodine(0.2%). solution and non-ionic contrast(omnipac). We used sclerotherapy with povidone iodine solution as a safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment in our patient with chyluria. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18812 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 59-60