Agnogenic venous mesenteric thrombosis

One of the most difficult diagnoses to establish is that of agnogenic venous mesenteric thrombosis (AVMT). This disorder occurs chiefly in elderly patients and, unless diagnosed promptly, leads to death in most instances. AVMT may follow surgical operations or occur during a prolonged illness. In the past five years at St. Clare's Hospital and Health Center in New York City, this diagnosis was established in five patients. In reviewing these cases, it was noted that some of the signs and symptoms such as those due to hypotension and shock with marked leukocytosis, were out of proportion to those usually observed when the preoperative diagnosis is being considered. The pathologic and radiologic characteristics of this disorder are outlined, and the recommended operative procedure for treatment is discussed. The importance is stressed of prompt, vigorous and prolonged anticoagulation therapy in order to minimize the chance of recurrence in the early postoperative period. Anticoagulant therapy is also effective preoperatively, if the disease is diagnosed sufficiently early. As greater numbers of elderly patients are being treated in hospitals, this dire complication should be uppermost in the minds of physicians and surgeons if a fatal outcome is to be avoided following a successful operative procedure.