Mesenteric venous thrombosis
Definition
Mesenteric venous thrombosis is a blood clot in one or more of the major veins that drain blood from the intestine.
Causes
Mesenteric venous thrombosis is a clot that blocks blood flow in the mesenteric veins, one of two veins through which blood leaves the intestine. The condition interrupts the blood supply to the intestine and can result in damage to the intestines.
Mesenteric venous thrombosis has a variety of causes. Many of the diseases that lead to this condition cause swelling (inflammation) of the tissues surrounding the veins, including:
- Appendicitis
- Cancer
- Diverticulitis
- Liver disease with cirrhosis
- Pancreatitis
Patients who have disorders that make the blood more likely to stick together (clot) have a higher risk for mesenteric venous thrombosis.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain, which may get worse after eating and over time
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Vomiting
Exams and Tests
A CT scan is the main test used to diagnose mesenteric venous thrombosis.
Other tests may include:
- Angiogram (studying the blood flow to the intestine)
- MRI
- Ultrasound of the abdomen and mesenteric veins
Treatment
Blood thinners (most commonly heparin) are used to treat mesenteric venous thrombosis when there is no associated bleeding. In some cases, medicine can be delivered directly into the clot to dissolve it. This procedure is called thrombolysis.
Less often, the clot is removed with a type of surgery called thrombectomy.
If you have signs and symptoms of a severe infection called peritonitis, you will usually need surgery to remove the intestine. After surgery, you may need an ileostomy (opening from the small intestine into a bag on the skin) or colostomy (an opening from the colon into the skin).
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well you do depends on the cause of the thrombosis. Getting treatment for the cause before the intestine has died can result in a good recovery.
Possible Complications
Intestinal ischemia is a serious complication of mesenteric venous thrombosis. Some or all of the intestine dies because of poor blood supply.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have severe or repeated episodes of abdominal pain.
References
Hauser SC. Vascular disease of the gastrointestinal tract. In Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 146.
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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