Korean J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg.  2014 Aug;18(3):101-103. 10.14701/kjhbps.2014.18.3.101.

Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis accompanied with severe appendicitis

• Lee KW
• Choi YI

• KMID: 1802223
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14701/kjhbps.2014.18.3.101

Abstract

Superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis caused by acute appendicitis is a very rare entity nowadays. We report a successfully treated case of a 21-year-old man with SMV thrombosis associated with severe acute appendicitis. Intravenous heparin was administered, and it was later substituted with warfarin. Systemic antibiotic therapy was continued for 1 week, and it was substituted with oral antibiotics, which were administered for 3 weeks. On the 45th postoperative day, follow-up computed tomography scan demonstrated dissolution of SMV thrombosis. Anticoagulation therapy was maintained for 3 months. He was discharged without any complications. SMV thrombosis can be treated successfully with emergency appendectomy, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and anticoagulation therapy.

Keyword

Superior mesenteric vein; Thrombosis; Appendicitis

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Appendectomy
Appendicitis*
Emergencies
Follow-Up Studies
Heparin
Humans
Mesenteric Veins*
Thrombosis*
Warfarin
Young Adult
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Heparin
Warfarin

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Computed tomography image showing occlusion of the superior mesenteric vein by a thrombus.

• 

  Fig. 2 Computed tomography image showing patent superior mesenteric vein without a thrombus.

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