An occult filarial infection presenting as chyluria with proteinuria: a case report and review of literature

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Jun 1:2012:bcr0120125635. doi: 10.1136/bcr.01.2012.5635.

Abstract

Chyluria is the passage of chyle into urine, and develops as a result of communication between the lymphatic system and the urinary system. It is an unusual manifestation of lymphatic filariasis reported mainly from South Asian countries. We report the case of a 38-year-old man from an endemic area who presented with passage of milky urine. Physical examination did not reveal any lymphadenopathy or lymph oedema. Urine tests revealed nephrotic range proteinuria. A 99m technetium sulphur colloid lymphoscintigraphy confirmed connection between lymphatic vessels and the urinary tract. Predominant chyluria with no overt lymphatic filariasis remains an enigma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Chyle*
  • Cystoscopy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Filariasis / complications*
  • Filariasis / parasitology
  • Filariasis / urine
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / etiology*
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / urine
  • Proteinuria / diagnosis
  • Proteinuria / etiology*
  • Proteinuria / urine
  • Wuchereria bancrofti / isolation & purification*