Enteropathy: A condition in which there is excessive loss of plasma protein into the intestine. Protein-losing enteropathy can be due to a number of different causes including extensive ulceration of the intestine, intestinal lymphatic blockage, gluten enteropathy, and infiltration of leukemic cells into the intestinal wall.http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5083

 

Any condition that causes triggers structural or functional defects of the small intestine. See AIDS enteropathy, NSAID enteropathy, Protein-losing enteropathy, Radiation enteropathy.

 

Protein Losing Enteropathy

 

protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)

a nonspecific term referring to conditions associated with excessive loss of plasma proteins into the intestinal lumen. Associated with a variety of systemic and bowel disorders, including congestive heart failure, gastric ulceration, gastric tumors, intestinal mucosal ulceration and lymphatic disorders, intestinal parasitic infestations, bacterial induced lesions such as in Johne's disease and the proliferative enteropathies.