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Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
05:07

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia

Published on: July 21, 2023

[Superior mesenteric arterial thrombosis complicating ulcerative colitis: A case report]

Yuji Noda1, Fumitoshi Watanabe, Yasuhiko Maruyama

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Fujieda City General Community Hospital.

Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi = the Japanese Journal of Gastro-Enterology
|March 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of arterial thrombosis, a serious complication of ulcerative colitis, was observed in a 36-year-old man. Prompt surgical intervention was required due to insufficient thrombolysis, highlighting the potential link between active colitis and clot formation.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Arterial thrombosis is an uncommon complication of UC.
  • Mesenteric artery thrombosis presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

  • A 36-year-old male patient with active ulcerative colitis presented with severe abdominal pain.
  • Computed tomography revealed a thrombus in the superior mesenteric artery.
  • Initial intra-arterial thrombolysis yielded insufficient results.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent emergency laparotomy and thrombectomy on the same day.
  • Histopathological examination confirmed arterial thrombosis.
  • The case underscores the rare but severe vascular complications associated with active ulcerative colitis.

Implications:

  • This case suggests a potential association between active ulcerative colitis and the development of arterial thrombosis.
  • Early recognition and aggressive management are crucial for patients with UC experiencing acute abdominal symptoms suggestive of vascular compromise.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the prothrombotic mechanisms in active ulcerative colitis.

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