Superior mesenteric thrombosis associated with small bowel stricture. Case report

S-H Huh1, D-I Kim, B-B Lee

  • 1Division of Vascular Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Insights

Superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis can cause intestinal stricture and obstruction. Early consideration of bowel stricture in patients with chronic SMV thrombosis is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Abdominal Imaging

Background:

  • Superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis is a rare but significant cause of intestinal obstruction.
  • Chronic SMV thrombosis can lead to ischemic changes and stricture formation in the small bowel.

Observation:

  • This report details two cases of small bowel stricture secondary to chronic SMV thrombosis.
  • Patients presented with symptoms indicative of intestinal obstruction.

Findings:

  • Both cases of small bowel stricture related to chronic SMV thrombosis were successfully treated with segmental bowel resection.
  • Surgical intervention effectively resolved the obstruction caused by the strictured bowel segment.

Implications:

  • Recognizing intestinal stricture as a complication of chronic SMV thrombosis is vital for appropriate patient management.
  • Segmental resection of the affected bowel is a viable treatment option for SMV thrombosis-induced strictures.
  • This highlights the importance of considering vascular causes in the differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction.

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...