Protein-losing enteropathy in prolonged post-ischemic ileitis.

A 10-year-old boy developed internal herniation of the small intestine associated with significant ischemia, which was reduced without resection. Severe diarrhea, hypoalbuminemia, and lymphopenia ensued while he was receiving total parenteral nutrition. Resolution of symptoms occurred only after resection of an area of ileum, which revealed persistent inflammation and atrophy. Postischemic epithelial cell regeneration of the intestine is discussed in light of this patient's protein-losing enteropathy.