Mesenteric inflammatory veno-occlusive disease: radiographic and histopathologic evaluation of 2 cases

Mesenteric inflammatory veno-occlusive disease (MIVOD) is a rare cause of inflammatory enterocolitis whose clinical and imaging presentation can be confused with mesenteric venous thrombosis and inflammatory bowel disease. We report two cases of histologically proven MIVOD in patients presenting with abdominal pain and describe potentially useful distinguishing features at contrast-enhanced CT, including prominent small pericolonic arteries and veins but a diminutive or absent inferior mesenteric vein. Alerting referring clinicians to the possibility of this diagnosis may help avoid unnecessary anticoagulation and reduce diagnostic delay. Treatment of MIVOD is surgical resection, which is typically curative.