[A case of mesenteric venous thrombosis: its sonographic and computed tomographic findings]

Primary mesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare disease and it is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. In this report, we present a case with interesting sonographic and computed tomographic findings. On March 15, 1984, a 53-year-old male was admitted to Central Hospital of Social Insurance because of intracranial hematoma, which was removed immediately. On May 17, the patient complained of a vague abdominal pain, in the left upper quadrant. Seven days later, the pain became severe and he was referred to our department. White blood cell count was 19300/mm3. On ultrasound and computed tomographic examination, a rigid thick-walled bowel loop was visualized. Laparotomy was performed and a gangrenous bowel loop (35cm long) was resected. Postoperative course was well. It should be emphasized that ultrasound and computed tomography are noninvasive and may be very helpful for differential diagnosis in the cases of acute abdomen.