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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Intra-aortic mural thrombosis and splenic infarction in association with ulcerative colitis
1Department of Gastroenterology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland. terrykok@gmail.com
Background:
Arterial thrombosis is a very rare, but recognised complication of inflammatory bowel disease that can result in significant morbidity and mortality.
Case Presentation:
We present the case of a 48-year-old female with previously well-controlled ulcerative colitis who presented with severe left upper quadrant abdominal pain. Imaging investigations subsequently revealed a large intra-aortic mural thrombus extending into the coeliac axis complicated by splenic infarction. This occurred in the absence of other prothrombotic states such as thrombophilias or vasculitis.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the frequently overlooked association between inflammatory bowel disease and arterial thrombosis.
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