Mesenteric venous thrombosis.

BACKGROUND Mesenteric venous thrombosis is an uncommon but often lethal form of intestinal ischemia. METHODS We reviewed pertinent literature on mesenteric venous thrombosis using MEDLINE search. RESULTS We found that previous abdominal surgery and hypercoagulable states are the most common conditions associated with mesenteric venous thrombosis. The symptoms and signs related to mesenteric venous thrombosis are not specific. In the majority of cases, the diagnosis is established by a high index of clinical suspicion and noninvasive imaging techniques. Immediate operation is indicated if signs of peritonitis or intestinal infarction are present. Administration of heparin is beneficial for reducing recurrence and mortality. CONCLUSION Clinicians should consider the possibility of acute mesenteric venous thrombosis when faced with a patient having abdominal pain out of proportion to the physical findings and with a negative workup for the common causes of abdominal pain.