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Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis

Case contributed by Fatima Shire
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male

There is evidence of superior mesenteric vein and portal vein thrombosis causing proximal small bowel dilatation and wall thickening with poor enhancement of dilated small bowel loops with suspicious pneumatosis intestinalis highly suggestive for ischemia.

Minimal free fluid in around the liver and in the right pericolic gutter. 

Case Discussion

Surgical intervention  showed long segment of ischemic jejunum. Thrombophilia screening showed positive result of lupus anticoagulant test only.

Mesenteric venous thrombosis although uncommon, is a potential lethal cause of bowel ischemia.

Studies show that acute mesenteric venous thrombosis has better prognosis than acute arterial mesenteric ischemia. The outcome of mesenteric venous thrombosis is related to early recognition and treatment.

 

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