3150 Deep Venous Thrombosis in Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a variety of both intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations. Among the range of extraintestinal manifestations of IBD, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a rare complication with high morbidity and mortality. VTE can present in patients with both active disease, which is more prevalent, or in well-controlled disease, which suggests a prothrombotic risk in patients with IBD. The case below is a classic presentation of VTE in IBD, and raises questions involving lifelong anticoagulation. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 62 year old male with ulcerative colitis presented to the office with a 2-week history of constant, achy pain in his right leg associated with swelling and stiffness of his right lower extremity. A right lower extremity venous duplex ultrasound revealed extensive thrombosis from the popliteal vein up to the common femoral vein. Despite a discussion about possible sequelae of untreated VTE such as further clot extension, acute pulmonary embolism, and death, the patient opted for outpatient treatment with lifelong apixaban. His swelling improved, and although he has had prior IBD exacerbations with significant bleeding, since the patient has been on apixaban, he has not had any significant bleeding. DISCUSSION: Patients with IBD have a threefold higher risk of VTE than the general population. Research suggests that it may be due to a complex interplay between inflammation and coagulation. Treatment of acute VTE in IBD patients has not been clearly defined and currently is similar to most patients. Consequently, the duration of anticoagulation is not established, and it is imperative to establish specific guidelines due to the risk of recurrent VTE in IBD. Currently, there are no data on the role of primary VTE prophylaxis for IBD patients in the outpatient setting and no specific biomarkers to identify IBD patients at risk. Future research should assess the prothrombotic risk in IBD to assist clinicians in preventive measures. Additional studies are needed to address the use of screening tests such as ultrasound or biomarkers. In this case, the patient was placed on lifelong apixaban due to his underlying risk factor of ulcerative colitis and showed clinical improvement with no significant bleeding. This case helps highlight the concern for major bleeding in a patient who has had previous significant major bleeding episodes during IBD exacerbations. In conclusion, VTE is a significant complication that should not be overlooked in patients with IBD.