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Updated: May 5, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Superior mesenteric vein stenosis complicating Crohn's disease
R S Hodgson1, J E Jackson, S D Taylor-Robinson
1Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK.
Superior mesenteric vein stenosis, a complication of Crohn's disease-related fibrosis, can lead to small bowel varices and gastrointestinal bleeding. This previously unrecognized association highlights a new cause of bleeding in Crohn's patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Medicine
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Background:
- Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- Mesenteric fibrosis is a known complication of Crohn's disease.
- Small bowel varices are abnormal dilations of veins in the small intestine.
Observation:
- Three cases of Crohn's disease patients presented with gastrointestinal bleeding or pain and diarrhea.
- Visceral angiography revealed superior mesenteric vein stenosis in all patients.
- Dilated collateral veins in the small bowel were observed, indicative of varices.
Findings:
- Superior mesenteric vein stenosis, secondary to mesenteric fibrosis, is a newly identified cause of small bowel varices.
- This condition can lead to acute or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding.
- The bleeding originates from small bowel varices, not typical mucosal ulceration.
Implications:
- This finding expands the understanding of gastrointestinal bleeding causes in Crohn's disease.
- Early recognition of superior mesenteric vein stenosis may improve patient outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to explore diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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