Acute superior mesenteric artery thrombosis in a 34-year-old male with thrombophilia: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Thrombophilic state, marked by extensive formation of blood clots within the vascular system poses a formidable peril, leading to loss of circulatory integrity and systemic well-being. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis is a serious medical disorder characterized by the obstruction of the arterial blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The condition has a plethora of etiological causes. Vague abdominal pain is a common clinical manifestation, and there is a very high mortality rate.Case Presentation: A 34-year-old Pakistani male presented with rapidly worsening acute abdominal pain over a 10-hour period. Clinical examination revealed elevated blood pressure, while other vital signs remained within normal limits. Abdominal examination findings were inconclusive compared to the patient's severe abdominal pain complaint. Contrast-enhanced CT scan indicated a large thrombus in the superior mesenteric artery with radiological features suggestive of intestinal ischemia, extending from the duodeno-jejunal flexure to the mid-transverse colon. Subsequently, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with extensive bowel resection and received anticoagulant therapy. He subsequently experienced compensated right lower limb ischemia, treated conservatively with high-dose anticoagulant therapy. Within days, bowel anastomotic leak developed, requiring multiple surgeries. Eventually, the patient progressed to septic shock, followed by multiorgan failure, culminating in a fatal cardiac arrest.Conclusion: Acute mesenteric ischemia, a rare abdominal emergency with an incidence of 6 per 100,000, is associated with a substantial mortality rate, ranging from 58% to 93% among diagnosed cases. The challenges posed by SMA thrombosis include diagnostic complexities, as it frequently manifests with symptoms disproportionate to clinical signs, and results in catastrophic complications, necessitating high suspicion index and prompt intervention.