Mesenteric venous thrombosis: a case report

Mesenteric venous thrombosis is an uncommon entity. The preoperative diagnosis is largely clinical; the hallmark is pain that is out of proportion to the physical findings. Treatment consists of thrombectomy with resection of necrotic small bowel and mesentery. In the absence of trauma or infection, an investigation of intrinsic anticoagulant deficiencies is warranted since these deficiencies are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Treatment is warfarin sodium therapy.