Idiopathic Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis Resulting in Small Bowel Ischemia in a Pregnant Woman

Hao Lin,Wan-Ting Huang,Chih-Che Lin

doi:10.1155/2011/687250

Hao Lin, Wan-Ting Huang + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/687250

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Abstract

Background. Small bowel ischemia due to superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is rare during pregnancy. However, additional precipitating factors should usually be identified. Case. A 31-year-old woman, pregnant at 34 weeks, was sent to the emergency department because of acute peritonitis. An emergency exploration revealed a segmental gangrene of the small intestine without any mechanical obstruction. Together with the termination of pregnancy, resection of the damaged small bowel was performed, and an end-to-end enterostomy was followed. Based on the operative and pathological findings, small bowel ischemia might be attributed to superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Conclusion. Hypercoagulation state normally found in pregnant women is believed to lead to this catastrophic condition without other precipitating factors.

Highlights

BackgroundSmall bowel ischemia due to superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is rare during pregnancy
Small bowel ischemia is a relatively uncommon disorder; the primary causes are diverse and can be grouped into five major categories: (1) strangulation, (2) low-flow states, (3) embolus or thrombosis of superior mesenteric artery, (4) superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT), and (5) miscellaneous
Hypercoagulable state is normally found in pregnant women, which was believed to result in superior MVT and intestinal ischemia

Summary

Background

Small bowel ischemia due to superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is rare during pregnancy. Additional precipitating factors should usually be identified. A 31-year-old woman, pregnant at 34 weeks, was sent to the emergency department because of acute peritonitis. An emergency exploration revealed a segmental gangrene of the small intestine without any mechanical obstruction. Together with the termination of pregnancy, resection of the damaged small bowel was performed, and an end-to-end enterostomy was followed. Based on the operative and pathological findings, small bowel ischemia might be attributed to superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Hypercoagulation state normally found in pregnant women is believed to lead to this catastrophic condition without other precipitating factors

Introduction

Case Report

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Discussion