Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL), first described in 1961, is a rare 
disease of childhood. Oedema, hypoproteinaemia and diarrhoea are characteristic 
symptoms. Bioptic demonstration of dilated lymphatic capillary vessels in 
intestinal villi and increased intestinal protein loss are diagnostic. Two 
patients successfully treated with a low fat diet, containing medium chain 
triglycerides (MCT) are reported.