Abstract

Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is an infrequent but old form of acute mesenteric ischemia, various forms of which have been recognized through imaging techniques. Pre- viously, diagnosis was made only by a laparotomy or autopsy. MVT is an abdominal emergency that is rarely diagnosed early. Review of the literature has shown that most cases have been treated by intestinal resection, and a few by thrombectomy with or with- out resection. Most are primary thromboses, but some are related to thromboembolic dise- ases, sepsis, cirrhosis, coagulopathy, abdominal neoplasms, traurna, or use of oral contra- ceptives. We report a case of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis with acute ischemic bowel disease, diagnosed early through a duodenoscopy and definitively assessed by superior mesenteric angiography and computed tomography. The predisposing factor for this case was a pelvic abscess post placenta previa operation. The first symptoms were hematemesis and abdominal pain. An intestinal mucosal lesion and clinical symptoms were improved by only heparinization and symptomatic treatment without resection. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 18: 769-773, 1998)

• Keywords: Mesenteric vein thrombosis , Ischemic enteritis