Acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis associated with factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation.

OBJECTIVES To study thrombophilia states in Indian patients with acute spontaneous superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (SMVT). METHODS Two men with this condition, a 56 year old and a 31 year old presenting with acute SMVT, demonstrated on CT scan, were subjected to a thrombophilia screen consisting of Protein C, S, antithrombin levels, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, fibrinogen levels, factor VIII levels, factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation, and paroxysmal nocturnal hematuria screen. RESULTS A thrombophilia screen showed factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation (heterozygous) in both cases. Additionally, the first patient had high fibrinogen levels and the second high factor VIII levels. Both patients are currently on long-term anticoagulation. CONCLUSION Factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation in association with other thrombophilic factors may predispose to spontaneous superior mesenteric vein thrombosis.