Abstract
Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (SMVT) often presents with abdominal pain out of proportion to physical exam findings but can also be asymptomatic. If left untreated, the thrombosis can cause bowel ischemia, multisystem organ failure, and eventually death. Therefore, while rare, superior mesenteric vein thrombosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis especially in cases with abdominal inflammation and hypercoagulability. Since SMVT can present as abdominal pain, a common reason for ED admission, or show up asymptomatically on CT, rapid diagnosis and anticoagulant administration is crucial to successful management. In this case report, a 78-year-old woman presents with abdominal cramping and bloody loose stools. The diagnosis was made using CT. This report reviews the CT image findings and hypercoagulability work- up. Management included anticoagulants in both the emergency department and on hematology follow-up.
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