Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
10:26
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Mesenteric vein thrombosis: is it one disease?
1Department of Surgery, Adan Hospital, Kuwait.
Summary
Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) often occurs without a known cause, impacting 36% of cases. This study found no difference in clinical presentation or outcomes between MVT with known versus unknown causes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is a serious condition affecting blood flow to the intestines.
- Identifying the cause of MVT is crucial for understanding its clinical course and prognosis.
- A significant proportion of MVT cases lack an identifiable underlying etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical presentation and outcomes of mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) in patients with known causes versus those with unknown etiology.
- To investigate the characteristics and clinical course of idiopathic MVT.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study design was employed.
- Data were collected from two major general hospitals in Kuwait over an eight-year period.
- The study included 19 patients diagnosed with MVT: 12 with known causes and 7 with unknown etiology.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in the clinical presentation between the two groups.
- Outcomes, including disease severity and patient prognosis, were similar for MVT with known and unknown causes.
- Idiopathic MVT accounted for 36% of all MVT cases reviewed.
Conclusions:
- A substantial percentage of MVT cases occur without an identifiable cause.
- The clinical course and outcomes of MVT appear consistent regardless of whether an underlying cause is identified.
- Further research into the etiology of idiopathic mesenteric vein thrombosis is warranted to improve understanding and management.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Esophageal 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...
01:26Varicose Veins I: Introduction
Varicose veins, or varicosities, are abnormally dilated and twisted superficial veins caused by venous valve incompetence. This condition commonly affects the lower extremities, especially the saphenous veins, due to the higher pressure from prolonged standing and walking. However, varicosities can also occur in other areas, such as the esophagus, vulva, spermatic cords, and anorectal region.Etiology and typesPrimary varicose veins, often idiopathic, are more common in women due to inherent...
01:30Venous 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...
01:20Venous 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...
01:29Venous 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...
01:22Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...