Isolated Thrombosis of the Superior Mesenteric Vein

Rajesh Essrani1,2, Shehriyar Mehershahi3, Rajesh Essrani4

  • 1Internal Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, USA.

Cureus
|May 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Acute pancreatitis can cause rare but serious splenic vein thrombosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in pancreatitis patients are crucial for good outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Pancreatitis, a common condition, can lead to severe vascular complications.
  • Splenic vein thrombosis is a known complication, but isolated superior mesenteric vein thrombosis is rare.

Observation:

  • A 40-year-old patient presented with abdominal pain due to acute pancreatitis.
  • The patient developed superior mesenteric vein thrombosis secondary to pancreatitis.

Findings:

  • Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, though rare, can cause gut ischemia and necrosis.
  • Timely diagnosis and management of this complication are essential.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering mesenteric vein thrombosis in pancreatitis patients.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to favorable outcomes, preventing bowel necrosis.

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
192
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
215
Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis01:18

Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis

The human body is a complex system of interconnected parts, and the circulatory system plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. One key component of this system is the inferior vena cava, a large vein responsible for returning blood from the abdominopelvic viscera and abdominal walls to the heart.
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...
1.4K
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
211
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction01:24

Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction

Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
960
Blood Supply to the Digestive System01:16

Blood Supply to the Digestive System

Splanchnic circulation refers to the network of blood vessels that supply and drain blood from the abdominal organs involved in digestion, including the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, and spleen. This circulation delivers essential nutrients and oxygen while removing waste products from these organs.
Blood Supply to the Digestive System: The splanchnic circulation involves three main arteries: the celiac artery (also known as the celiac trunk) and the superior and inferior mesenteric...
4.5K