Nucl Med Mol Imaging.  2010 Sep;44(3):217-222.

Huge Varicose Inferior Mesenteric Vein: an Unanticipated (99m)Tc-labeled Red Blood Cell Scintigraphy Finding

• Hoseinzadeh S
• Shafiei B
• Salehian M
• Neshandar Asli I
• Ghodoosi I

Abstract

Ectopic varices (EcV) are enlarged portosystemic venous collaterals, which usually develop secondary to portal hypertension (PHT). Mesocaval collateral vessels are unusual pathways to decompress the portal system. Here we report the case of a huge varicose inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) that drained into perirectal collateral veins, demonstrated by (99m)Tc-labeled red blood cell (RBC) scintigraphy performed for lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in a 14-year-old girl. This case illustrates the crucial role of (99m)Tc-labeled RBC scintigraphy for the diagnosis of rare ectopic lower GI varices.

Keyword

Portal hypertension; Ectopic varices; Inferior mesenteric vein; Gastrointestinal bleeding; (99m)Tc-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Erythrocytes
Hemorrhage
Humans
Hypertension, Portal
Mesenteric Veins
Portal System
Varicose Veins
Veins