Septic thrombophlebitis of the inferior mesenteric vein associated with diverticulitis CT diagnosis

Pylephlebitis and mesenteric thrombophlebitis in sigmoid diverticulitis: medical approach, delayed surgery

A 57-year-old woman presented with fever, vomiting and arthralgia, with a history of rheumatoid arthritis. Laboratory tests showed leucocytes, anaemia and elevation of C-reactive-protein (CRP). Blood cultures were positive for Gram negative bacteria and Streptococcus viridans. Patient underwent abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) scan revealing sigmoid acute diverticulitis with peridiverticular abscesses and thrombophlebitis within the inferior mesenteric and portal veins. She started antibiotic and anticoagulant therapy. After 20 days, a second CT revealed a thrombosis involving the superior mesenteric vein also. After 22 days of therapy the patient was discharged with the resolution of the septic status. Two months after discharge the patient underwent left hemicolectomy for a histopathologically documented diverticulitis with an uneventful postoperative course. This is a description of a rare association of septic thrombosis within the portal, inferior mesenteric and superior mesenteric veins during acute sigmoid diverticulitis with abdominal abscesses. Our therapeutic strategy was a first line medical approach and delayed surgery.

Mesenteric Venous Thrombophlebitis–Septic Thrombophlebitis of the Inferior Mesenteric Vein: An Unusual Manifestation of Diverticulitis

We report a case of a 57-year-old female patient who presented with fever, abdominal pain, and bacteremia. A CT scan demonstrated sigmoid diverticulitis and air within the inferior mesenteric vein. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and sigmoid colectomy. She was discharged without complications. Septic thrombophlebitis of the inferior mesenteric vein is a rare complication of diverticulitis. It may manifest as bacteremia not responding to intravenous antibiotics. CT scan findings are diagnostic, and include evidence of intraluminal gas within the inferior mesenteric vein. As with any case of complicated diverticulitis, the treatment is surgical resection of the involved colon.