Pylephlebitis secondary to appendicitis

Case contributed by Mohamed Saber
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Right iliac fossa pain for two weeks.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Female
  • intraluminal filling defects are seen in the left portal vein division and multiple intrahepatic portal venules more at the right hepatic lobe (pylephlebitis)

  • intraluminal filling defect is seen in the distal superior mesenteric vein and venous confluence (thrombophlebitis)

  • marked fat blurring and oedema are seen at the right iliac fossa with internal small locule measures about 20 mm suggestive of necrosis with a small abscess formation

  • the appendix shows mildly increased diameter with associated thickened hyper-enhanced wall

Case Discussion

This patient gave a history of right iliac fossa pain, inadequately treated as acute gastroenteritis with oral medications however, the pain persists for two weeks. Lab assessment revealed leucocytosis. The CT study showed a picture of complicated acute appendicitis with a small abscess, superior mesenteric vein thrombophlebitis, and pylephlebitis.

The patient was admitted for conservative treatment and discharged in good condition with a planned elective appendicectomy after complete recovery.

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