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Updated: May 13, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Isolated superior mesenteric venous thrombophlebitis with acute appendicitis
Mohsen Mohamed Karam1, Mohaed Fahmy Abdalla, Said Bedair
1Hamad Medical Corporation, G Surgery, 46 Teba Garden, Doha, Qatar.
Introduction:
Isolated superior mesentericveinous thrmbophlebitis is a rarely recognised condition associated with a high morbidity. It usually develops secondary to infection in the drainage area of the portal venous system, like appendix.
Presentation Of Case:
We report a case of neglected perforated acute appendicitis complicated by superior mesenteric venous pyelephlebitis patiant represented with a vague pain to right of umlicus, which is atypical this why cat scan was done and showed obstructed superiormesentric vein, portal vein was free with acute appendicitis. Appendicectomy and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, anticoagulation, and platelets led to a full recovery. Follow-up imaging after one month revealed complete canalization of superior mesentric vein.
Discussion:
Abdominal pain if atypical like our case report need imaging diagnosis. Modern diagnostic imaging techniques help the early diagnosis of acute phase pylephlebitis. CT can detect primary source of infection, extent of pylephlebitis, CT scan is the most reliable initially. Ultrasound scan with color flow Doppler is also a sensitive test for confirming partial patency of the portal vein and portal vein thrombosis accidentally discovered complete obliteration of superior mesenteric vein with thrombosis which remained not propagated by serial Doppler ultrasound of liver. Appropriate treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. To avoid extension to portal vein. The principal treatment for pylephlebitis is to remove the source of infection as appendicectomy. Anticoagulants must be used. Regarding the treatment of portal thrombosis, post operative use of heparin has been advocated.
Conclusion:
Cat scan play an important role in case of atypical abdominal pain.
Insights
Superior mesenteric venous thrombophlebitis, a rare condition, can be effectively treated with appendectomy, antibiotics, and anticoagulation. Early diagnosis via imaging is crucial for successful outcomes in atypical abdominal pain cases.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Isolated superior mesenteric venous thrombophlebitis is a rare but high-morbidity condition.
- It often arises secondary to infections within the portal venous system, such as appendicitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of neglected perforated acute appendicitis complicated by superior mesenteric venous pyelephlebitis.
- To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- A case of atypical abdominal pain was investigated using computed tomography (CT) scan.
- Treatment involved appendectomy, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and anticoagulation.
Main Results:
- CT scan revealed an obstructed superior mesenteric vein with acute appendicitis.
- The patient achieved full recovery with complete canalization of the superior mesenteric vein after one month of treatment.
- Imaging confirmed the successful resolution of the thrombophlebitis.
Conclusions:
- Atypical abdominal pain warrants prompt imaging for diagnosis.
- CT scan is vital for early detection and assessment of pylephlebitis extent.
- Prompt treatment, including source control and anticoagulation, is essential to prevent complications.
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