Thoracic duct changes in schistosomal hepatic fibrosis.

The changes in the thoracic duct were studied in schistosomatic hepatic fibrosis, particularly in cases with ascites. The postmortem findings, lymphangiography, and clinical thoracic duct cannulation showed that, particularly in cases with ascites, the thoracic duct is dilated, pressure within is raised, and the lymph flow is increased. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the site and the treatment of ascites.