Lercanidipine-induced chylous ascites: Case report and literature review.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Chylous ascites is a rare condition. The most frequent causes are lymphomas, solid malignancies, abdominal trauma and cirrhosis. Isolated case reports describe the relationship between calcium channel blockers (CCB) and chyloperitoneum. Lercanidipine is a third-generation dihydropyridine with low rate of adverse events. We describe a case of lercanidipine-induced chylous ascites.

CASE SUMMARY: An 80-year-old white female with hypertension treated with lercanidipine, developed chylous ascites and abdominal pain after the dosage of the CCB was doubled. The initial suspicion was a hidden neoplasm, but after a thorough research, no apparent cause was detected and the symptoms resolved after the drug was suspended.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Calcium channel blockers should be considered as possible causes in cases of chyloperitoneum of unknown aetiology.