Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis complicating appendicular masses

Authors

• Salma S. Echtibi, Department of Surgery, Al Ain Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
• Masoud O. Bashir, Department of Surgery, Al Ain Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
• Misbah U. Ahmed, Department of Radiology, Al Ain Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
• Frank J. Branicki, Department of Surgery, Al Ain Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
• Fikri M. Abu-Zidan, Associate Professor, Head, Trauma Group, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Fax. +971 (3) 7672067. E-mail: fabuzidan{at}uaeu.ac.ae

Abstract

Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is rare. Its diagnosis is usually difficult and delayed. Herein, we report 2 patients who developed MVT as a complication of an appendicular mass. One of them had appendectomy and developed fever 10 days postoperatively. The other was treated conservatively. An abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan with intravenous contrast was helpful in diagnosing the superior MVT in both patients, which were not suspected. Intravenous contrast should be used when performing CT of an appendicular mass. Special interest should be directed at studying the superior mesenteric vein. Early diagnosis of our patients helped to start early medical treatment with anticoagulation.

Article Type

Case Report

First Page

1016

Last Page

1018

Recommended Citation

Echtibi, Salma S.; Bashir, Masoud O.; Ahmed, Misbah U.; Branicki, Frank J.; and Abu-Zidan, Fikri M. (2003) "Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis complicating appendicular masses," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 24: Iss. 9, Article 22.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.2168