Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis

Case contributed by Dr Fatima Shire

Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years old

Gender: Male

From the case: Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis

Modality: CT

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Axial C+ portal venous phase

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 suspicion pneumatosis intestinalis highly suggestive for ischaemia.

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

2 case questions available

Case Discussion

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

Mesenteric venous thrombosis although is an uncommon, it is a potential lethal cause of bowl ischemia.

Studies shows 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.