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Intestinal infarction secondary to mesenteric venous thrombosis: CT-pathologic correlation
1Department of Radiology, Catholic University Medical College, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|May 1, 1993
Summary
CT scans reveal that superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis often presents with bowel wall thickening, indicating bowel infarction. Early detection through imaging is crucial for timely treatment of this serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis is a critical condition leading to bowel infarction.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing bowel infarction secondary to SMV thrombosis.
- To correlate CT findings with surgical and pathological findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT scans from four patients with surgically confirmed bowel infarction due to SMV thrombosis.
- Analysis of CT findings including bowel wall thickening, attenuation patterns, ascites, and mesenteric changes.
- Pathological correlation was available for all cases.
Main Results:
- All four patients exhibited segmental marked concentric bowel wall thickening on contrast-enhanced CT.
- Three patients had thrombus in both the portal vein and proximal SMV; one had thrombus in peripheral SMV branches.
- Additional findings included bowel wall edema, hemorrhage, ascites, and mesenteric changes.
Conclusions:
- The combination of SMV thrombosis and characteristic bowel wall thickening on CT is a strong indicator of bowel infarction.
- CT imaging is valuable in identifying patients with SMV thrombosis and associated bowel infarction, necessitating prompt therapeutic intervention.