Imaging Diagnosis of Splanchnic Venous Thrombosis

Etiology and Risk Factors for Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in Non-Cirrhotic, Non-Neoplastic Patients: A Narrative Review

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a heterogeneous group of disorders affecting the portal, mesenteric, splenic, and hepatic veins. While frequently associated with liver cirrhosis and malignancy, SVT also occurs in non-cirrhotic, non-neoplastic patients. This narrative review evaluates the epidemiology and risk factors for SVT in this population. The prevalence and incidence of SVT in non-cirrhotic, non-neoplastic patients remain incompletely characterized, with estimates varying widely across studies. The clinical significance of SVT relates to potential complications, including intestinal ischemia, portal hypertension, and a possible underlying systemic disorder. Risk factors for SVT can be categorized into local abdominal conditions, thrombophilias, and systemic disorders. Local factors include inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, abdominal surgery, and trauma. Thrombophilias, both inherited and acquired, are significant contributors to SVT risk. Systemic conditions associated with SVT include autoimmune disorders, pregnancy, hematological diseases, and infections. The complex interplay of these risk factors highlights the need for a comprehensive evaluation of SVT patients. Early recognition and management of these conditions can prevent potentially life-threatening complications and guide decisions regarding anticoagulation and long-term follow-up.

Emerging Elastic Micro-Nano Materials for Diagnosis and Treatment of Thrombosis

Thrombus is a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel at the point of flaking. Thrombosis is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases caused by different sources and factors. However, the current clinical methods of thrombus diagnosis and treatment still have problems with targeting, permeability, stability, and biosafety. Therefore, in recent years, based on the development of micro/nano technology, researchers have tried to develop some new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis. Due to the unique structural characteristics, the micro-nano materials in physiological environments show excellent transport and delivery properties such as better in vivo circulation, longer life span, better targeting ability, and controllable cellular internalization. Especially, elasticity and stiffness are inherent mechanical properties of some well-designed micro-nano materials, which can make them better adapted to the needs of thrombosis diagnosis and treatment. Herein, this review first introduces the thrombotic microenvironment to characterize the thrombus development process. Then, to fine-tune the pathological occurrence and development of thrombosis, the role of elastic micro-nano materials for thrombus diagnosis and treatment is summarized. The properties, preparation methods, and biological fate of these materials have been discussed in detail. Following, the applications of elastic micro-nano materials in biomedical imaging, drug delivery, and therapy of thrombosis are highlighted. Last, the shortcomings and future design strategies of elastic micro-nano materials in diagnosis and treatment of clinical thrombosis are discussed. This review will provide new ideas for the use of nanotechnology in clinical diagnosis and treatment of thrombus in the future.

Cancer-associated splanchnic vein thrombosis: Clinical implications and management considerations

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), a thrombosis which involves the portal, mesenteric, and splenic veins, and the Budd-Chiari syndrome, represents an uncommon type of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Like with deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities and pulmonary embolism, ample evidence suggests a significant association between SVT and cancer, particularly intra-abdominal solid malignancies (e.g. hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Clinical symptoms of SVT in cancer patients can be ambiguous, and frequently attributed to the primary cancer itself. Alternatively, SVT may be asymptomatic and detected incidentally during cancer staging or follow-up evaluations. SVT can also precede the diagnosis of cancer and has been associated with poorer outcomes in patients with liver or pancreatic cancers. Therefore, an unprovoked SVT warrants a thorough evaluation for an underlying malignancy or MPN. Cancer-associated SVT carries a high risk of VTE extension, recurrence and bleeding. Extended anticoagulant treatment is often required in the absence of a high bleeding risk. Guidelines suggest treatment with either low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), although available data on the safety and effectiveness of DOACs in these patients is limited. This comprehensive review outlines the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, and diagnosis of cancer-associated SVT and underscores the importance of comprehensive patient evaluation and evidence-based management.

Porto-spleno-mesenteric venous thrombosis after elective splenectomy: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Elective splenectomy is the main treatment for a wide range of haematological diseases. Porto-spleno-mesenteric venous thrombosis represents one of the most severe complications of this procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with development of porto-spleno-mesenteric venous thrombosis after elective splenectomy.

Methods

All cases of elective splenectomy carried out from April 1st 2017 to January 31st 2023 were included in this single centre retrospective cohort study. Patients' demographics and perioperative data were analysed and correlated with the incidence of postoperative thrombosis. All patients underwent postoperative doppler ultrasound screening for thrombosis. Analysis was performed using SPSS 28, with p-value < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

Twenty-two patients (10 women, 12 men) underwent splenectomy during the study period. Indications were: immune thrombocytopenia (n: 6), myeloproliferative disorder (n: 6), hereditary spherocytosis (n: 4), thalassemia (n: 1), lymphoma (n: 1), leukaemia (n: 1), other malignancies (n: 3). Six patients developed porto-spleno-mesenteric venous thrombosis and only 2 of them were symptomatic. Patients were treated with anticoagulation therapy with complete resolution. Analysis identified three main factors associated with thrombosis: spleen diameter (p = 0.03), myeloproliferative disorder (p = 0.02), intraoperative platelet transfusion (p = 0.002) and intraoperative red blood cells transfusion (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Standardized postoperative screening allows prompt diagnosis and treatment of porto-spleno-mesenteric venous thrombosis even in asymptomatic cases. Patient with splenomegaly and affected by myeloproliferative disorder have a greater risk to develop this complication.

Direct oral anticoagulants for the treatment of splanchnic vein thrombosis - A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is an uncommon manifestation of venous thromboembolism in the splanchnic venous system, with scarce evidence surrounding its management. We assessed the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) to low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH), vitamin-k antagonists (VKAs), or no anticoagulation.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with the primary efficacy outcome being complete recanalization of affected vessels and primary safety outcome being major bleeding. Meta-analysis was done using a random-effects model, with dichotomous outcomes being synthesized with odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95 % CIs.

RESULTS

Seven non-randomized and one randomized study involving 883 participants were included for analysis. DOACs were more effective than VKAs (OR = 4.33; 95 % CI: 2.4, 7.83; n = 1 study) in non-cirrhotic patients and no anticoagulation in cirrhotic patients (OR = 3.86; 95 % CI: 1.49, 10.03; n = 3 studies). DOACs had a statistically significant reduction in major bleeding compared to observation [OR = 0.09; 95 % CI: 0.03, 0.29; n = 3 studies], LMWHs [OR = 0.13; 95 % CI: 0.03, 0.29; n = 1 study] and VKAs [OR = 0.12; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.69; n = 2 studies] in non-cirrhotic patients. No difference in major bleeding was found between DOACs and observation, LMWH, or VKAs in cirrhotic patients.

CONCLUSION

DOACs appear to be a favorable alternative to VKAs and LMWHs in non-cirrhotic patients. This avenue of research would benefit from larger studies that adjust for SVT etiologies, patient risk factors, and overall bleeding risk.

Vascular complications of chronic pancreatitis and its management

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic fibro-inflammatory disorder of the pancreas, resulting in recurrent abdominal pain, diabetes mellitus, and malnutrition. It may lead to various other complications such as pseudocyst formation, benign biliary stricture, gastric outlet obstruction; and vascular complications like venous thrombosis, variceal and pseudoaneurysmal bleed. Development of varices is usually due to chronic venous thrombosis with collateral formation and variceal bleeding can easily be tackled by endoscopic therapy. Pseudoaneurysmal bleed can be catastrophic and requires radiological interventions including digital subtraction angiography followed by endovascular obliteration, or sometimes with a percutaneous or an endoscopic ultrasound-guided approach in technically difficult situations. Procedure-related bleed is usually venous and mostly managed conservatively. Procedure-related arterial bleed, however, may require radiological interventions.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis complicating extensive splanchnic vein thrombosis, a rare manifestation of essential thrombocythemia: A case report

KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE

Clinicians should be mindful of the rare occurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in essential thrombocythemia with extensive splanchnic vein thrombosis, especially when patients with ascites exhibit fever and abdominal pain.

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) complicating extensive splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a rare manifestation of essential thrombocythemia (ET). In the absence of any hypercoagulable state, JAK2 mutation can be an important risk factor for extensive SVT. Evaluation for SBP is crucial when non-cirrhotic patient exhibits fever, abdominal pain and tenderness in the background of ascites after ruling out common pathologies such as tubercular peritonitis, acute pancreatitis, Budd-Chiari syndrome and ovarian malignancy. We present a case of SBP complicating pre-hepatic portal hypertension with ascites in a 44-years-old female. On further evaluation, extensive SVT with portal cavernoma in the setting of ET was identified. She was managed with cytoreductive therapy and anticoagulation, resulting in symptom resolution.

Adherence to thrombophilia testing guidelines and its influence on anticoagulation therapy: A single-center cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The collected evidence on thrombophilia guidelines is scarce and data about their impact on clinical decisions are unknown. We aimed to investigate the adherence to thrombophilia testing guidelines, its therapeutic impact in patients with guideline-adherent and non-adherent testing and identify the patients' clinical characteristics mostly associated with treatment decisions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study of patients referred for thrombophilia testing at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital between 01/2010-10/2020. We systematically evaluated the adherence of thrombophilia testing to internal guidelines and the influence of test results on anticoagulation therapy. Using multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated the association between clinical characteristics and influence of thrombophilia tests on anticoagulation therapy in the entire cohort and by indication for referral.

RESULTS

Of 3686 included patients, mostly referred for venous thromboembolism (2407, 65 %) or arterial thrombosis (591, 16 %), 3550 patients (96 %) underwent thrombophilia testing. Indication for testing was according to guidelines in 1208 patients (33 %). Test results influenced treatment decisions in 56 of 1102 work-ups (5.1 %) that were adherent to guidelines, and in 237 of 2448 (9.7 %) non-adherent work-ups (absolute difference, 4.3 %; 95 % confidence interval, 2.9-6.3 %). Age < 50 years, female sex, absence of risk factors and co-morbidities, weakly provoked venous thromboembolism and referral indication other than venous thromboembolism were associated with influence on anticoagulation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to guidelines for thrombophilia testing was poor and did not have an impact on treatment decisions. Refinement of selection criteria is needed to increase the therapeutic impact of thrombophilia testing.

Acute mesenteric ischemia secondary to oral contraceptive-induced portomesenteric and splenic vein thrombosis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Mesenteric ischemia represents an uncommon complication of splanchnic vein thrombosis, and it is less infrequently seen in young women using oral contraceptives. Diagnosis is often delayed in the emergency room; thus, surgical intervention may be inevitable and the absence of thrombus regression or collateral circulation may lead to further postoperative ischemia and a fatal outcome.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a 28-year-old female patient on oral contraceptives who presented with acute abdominal pain. Her physical examination findings were not consistent with her symptoms of severe pain and abdominal distention. These findings and her abnormal blood tests raised suspicion of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) induced by splanchnic vein thrombosis. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed ischemia of the small intestine with portomesenteric and splenic vein thrombosis (PMSVT). We treated the case promptly by anticoagulation after diagnosis. We then performed delayed segmental bowel resection after thrombus regression and established collateral circulation guided by collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged 14 d after surgery and took rivaroxaban orally for 6 mo. In subsequent follow-up to date, the patient has not complained of any other discomfort.

CONCLUSION

AMI induced by PMSVT should be considered in young women who are taking oral contraceptives and have acute abdominal pain. Prompt anticoagulation followed by surgery is an effective treatment strategy.

Thrombophilia Impact on Treatment Decisions, Subsequent Venous or Arterial Thrombosis and Pregnancy-Related Morbidity: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study

(1) Background: Thrombophilia testing utility has remained controversial since its clinical introduction, because data on its influence on treatment decisions are limited. (2) Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of 3550 unselected patients referred for thrombophilia consultation at the Bern University Hospital in Switzerland from January 2010 to October 2020. We studied the influence of thrombophilia testing results on treatment decisions and evaluated the association between thrombophilia and thromboembolic and pregnancy-related morbidity events after testing up to 03/2021. (3) Results: In 1192/3550 patients (34%), at least one case of thrombophilia was found and 366 (10%) had high-risk thrombophilia. A total of 211/3550 (6%) work-ups (111/826 (13%) with low-risk thrombophilia and 100/366 (27%) with high-risk thrombophilia) led to an appropriate decision to extend or initiate anticoagulation, and 189 (5%) negative results led to the withholding of anticoagulation therapy inappropriately. A total of 2492 patients (69%) were followed up for >30 days, with a median follow-up of 49 months (range, 1−183 months). Patients with high-risk thrombophilia had a higher risk of subsequent venous thromboembolic events and pregnancy-related morbidity compared to those without thrombophilia. (4) Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the limited usefulness of thrombophilia work-up in clinical decision-making. High-risk thrombophilia was associated with subsequent venous thromboembolism and pregnancy-related morbidity.

Splenic Vein Thrombosis: A Case Series of Consequential Chronic Pancreatitis and Sequential Myeloproliferative Disorder

We present a case series of two patients with splenic vein thrombosis (SVT), a relatively uncommon condition supposed to occur in the context of pancreatitis or pancreatic malignancies. Splenic vein thrombosis may also be seen in cases of chronic pancreatitis, as in one of our patients. At times, splenic vein thrombosis may present with an incidental, isolated finding of gastric varices on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) while investigating for pulmonary embolus; such a result should prompt further investigation to rule out associated splenic vein thrombosis in a sequence. We attempt to highlight the importance of performing a blood count and hematocrit, supplementary to a liver screen, in another patient where the cause was not related to liver disease, but to myeloproliferative disorder, which resulted in a hyper-thrombotic state and splenic vein thrombosis as a consequence.

Case Report: Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis as a Complication of Necrotizing Acute Pancreatitis in a Pediatric Patient

Splanchnic vein thrombosis is an unusual manifestation of venous thromboembolism and includes portal vein thrombosis, mesenteric veins thrombosis, splenic vein thrombosis, and the Budd-Chiari syndrome. The most common risk factors include hematologic and autoimmune disorders, hormonal therapy, liver cirrhosis, solid abdominal cancer, recent abdominal surgery, and abdominal infections or inflammatory conditions, such as pancreatitis. Splanchnic vein thrombosis in acute pancreatitis is most commonly associated with the severe form of the disease and pancreatic necrosis. This report describes a case of splanchnic vein thrombosis as a complication of necrotizing acute pancreatitis in a pediatric patient. Splanchnic vein thrombosis was incidentally detected on contrast-enhanced computed tomography to assess the pancreas. There was no evidence of prior risk factors for the thrombotic condition. The patient was treated with anticoagulation and showed complete resolution after recovery from necrotizing acute pancreatitis, at a 16-month follow-up. The complication of necrotizing acute pancreatitis with splanchnic vein thrombosis in pediatric age is a rare presentation.

Retained metal fragments following esophageal button battery impaction

Button battery (BB) impaction in the esophagus requires immediate endoscopic removal and meticulous follow-up, including serial cross-sectional imaging, preferably with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, BBs quickly degrade in the esophagus, and metallic fragments may remain in the injured mucosa following removal. This metallic debris can cause thermal injury during MRI, potentially aggravating local injury. We aimed to explore whether such metallic fragments could be identified on imaging following BB removal. In this study, we conducted a retrospective review of children (0-18 years) presenting with BB impaction in the esophagus between 2014 and 2020. Endoscopy reports and imaging studies were blindly reviewed by a pediatric gastroenterologist and a pediatric radiologist. Of 161 cases of battery ingestion, 14 (8%) underwent endoscopy, and in 9 (5%) a BB was impacted in the esophagus. The median time from ingestion to BB removal was 8 h (range 2-48 h). The median time from removal to CT was 44 h (range 0.5-104 h). BB appearance ranged from mild corrosion to visible debris. Pre-removal plain films showed irregular battery contour suggesting corrosion (5/7 plain films). In 7/9 CT scans (78%), high-attenuation esophageal content (median 266HU (range 140-1151)), which may represent metallic debris, was identified. Five patients had a follow-up CT which still showed gradual resolution of the high-attenuation content.Conclusions: we describe a new finding on CT following BB removal which might represent metallic debris. Clinicians should be aware of these findings which potentially may be harmful during MRI used in the ongoing assessment of esophageal injury. What is Known: • Button batteries are a dangerous pediatric foreign body with potentially fatal vascular complications. What is New: • Metallic debris was identified on computerized tomography following button battery removal in most children. • We bring to attention this new finding which may affect clinical management, as minimal metallic content can cause burns during MRI.

Successful treatment of acute spleno-porto-mesenteric vein thrombosis after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. A case report

Several cases of deep venous thrombosis in people who had recently received Vaxzevria (previously known as COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca) have recently been reported, mainly presenting as cerebral vein/cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. This syndrome has been termed "vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT)". Acute spleno-porto-mesenteric vein thrombosis is an uncommon but serious condition with potential sequelae, such as small-bowel gangrene and end-stage liver failure. We describe a case of concomitant thrombosis of portal, superior mesenteric and splenic veins in a young female patient with no other risk factors who received Vaxzevria (previously ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, AstraZeneca) 17 days before. The diagnostic workup and the successful endovascular treatment and systemic anticoagulation management is reported.

Portal vein thrombosis in patients with chronic liver diseases: From conventional to quantitative imaging

Portal vein thrombosis is a pathological condition characterized by the lumen occlusion of the portal vein and its intrahepatic branches, commonly associated to chronic liver diseases. Portal vein thrombosis is often asymptomatic and discovered as an incidental finding in the follow-up of chronic hepatopathy. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the detection and characterization of portal vein thrombosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Ultrasound and Color-Doppler ultrasound are usually the first-line imaging modalities for its detection, but they have limits related to operator-experience, patient size, meteorism and the restrained field-of view. Unenhanced cross-sectional imaging doesn't provide specific signs of portal vein thrombosis except under certain specific circumstances. Conventional contrast-enhanced imaging can depict portal vein thrombosis as an endoluminal filling defect best detected in venous phase and can differentiate between non-neoplastic and neoplastic thrombus based on the contrast enhanced uptake, but not always rule-out the malignant nature. Functional and quantitative imaging techniques and software seem to be more accurate. The purpose of this work is to provide the reader with an accurate overview focused on the main imaging features of portal vein thrombosis.

Cancer-Associated Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), which includes portal, mesenteric, and splenic vein thrombosis and the Budd-Chiari syndrome, is an infrequent manifestation of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Like typical site VTE, SVT is also frequently associated with cancer, particularly intra-abdominal solid malignancies and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The clinical presentation of SVT is nonspecific. Symptoms may be related to the underlying malignancy, and thrombosis is incidentally diagnosed by imaging studies for cancer staging or follow-up in a substantial proportion of cases. The occurrence of SVT predicts worse prognosis in patients with liver or pancreatic cancer and, not uncommonly, SVT may precede the diagnosis of cancer. Therefore, the occurrence of an apparently unprovoked SVT should prompt careful patient evaluation for the presence of an underlying malignancy or MPN. Cancer patients carry a high risk of VTE extension and recurrence and long-term anticoagulant treatment is suggested in the absence of high risk of bleeding. Either LMWH or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are suggested for the treatment of patients with cancer-related SVT, although limited experience is available on the use of DOACs in these settings. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are suggested for the short and long-term treatment of SVT associated with MPN. This review outlines the epidemiological aspects, pathogenesis, risk factors, and diagnosis of cancer-associated SVT, and addresses questions regarding the management of this challenging condition.

Many faces of acute bowel ischemia: overview of radiologic staging

Acute bowel ischemia (ABI) can be life threatening with high mortality rate. In spite of the advances made in diagnosis and treatment of ABI, no significant change has occurred in the mortality over the past decade. ABI is potentially reversible with prompt diagnosis. The radiologist plays a central role in the initial diagnosis and preventing progression to irreversible intestinal ischemic injury or bowel necrosis. The most single imaging findings described in the literature are either non-specific or only present in the late stages of ABI, urging the use of a constellation of features to reach a more confident diagnosis. While ABI has been traditionally categorized based on the etiology with a wide spectrum of imaging findings overlapped with each other, the final decision for patient's management is usually made on the stage of the ABI with respect to the underlying pathophysiology. In this review, we first discuss the pathologic stages of ischemia and then summarize the various imaging signs and causes of ABI. We also emphasize on the correlation of imaging findings and pathological staging of the disease. Finally, a management approach is proposed using combined clinical and radiological findings to determine whether the patient may benefit from surgery or not.

Treatment of portal vein thrombosis: an updated narrative review

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the most frequent among the splanchnic vein thrombosis, accounting for 90% of cases. More than half of PVT are provoked by liver cirrhosis, solid cancer or myeloproliferative neoplasms. The remaining cases are non-malignant non-cirrhotic PVT and include either unprovoked events or thrombosis secondary to other less common risk factors (e.g. abdominal surgery, intrabdominal inflammations/infections, or hormonal stimuli). Anticoagulant therapy in patients with acute symptomatic PVT should be started early after diagnosis, if no active bleeding, to obtain greater vessel recanalization and reduce the occurrence of portal-hypertension related complications. Gastroesophageal varices do not represent a contraindication to anticoagulant treatment, as long as adequate measures have been undertaken for the prophylaxis of gastroesophageal bleeding. Different treatment options (unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin, vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants [DOACs]) can be considered. In this narrative review we will discuss the treatment of PVT in the three most common scenarios (cirrhosis-associated, cancer-associated and non-malignant non-cirrhotic PVT). We will also discuss the role of the DOACs and summarise recent guidelines on this topic.

Early transcatheter thrombectomy and thrombolytic therapy in acute non-cirrhotic and non-malignant mesenteric vein thrombosis: Case report of two cases and literature review

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Non-cirrhotic non malignant acute mescenteric thrombosis could lead to massive bowel ischaemia and is challenging to manage.

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Conventional PV or SMV exploration is associated with significant blood lost, physiological disturbances and may need repeated procedures.

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Catheter directed thrombolysis and thrombectomy provide minimal invasive option to restore patency of PV or SMV.

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Literature review found high success rate and favourable outcome.

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Catheter directed therapy should be the first line therapy.

Aim

To present two cases of acute non-cirrhotic and non-malignant mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) treated with early transcatheter thrombectomy and thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and to review the literature on transcatheter thrombectomy and thrombolytic therapy of such condition.

Methods

Two cases of acute MVT treated with transhepatic transcatheter thrombectomy and thrombolysis in addition to systemic anticoagulation upon diagnosis are presented. In addition, a Pubmed literature search was undertaken using keywords acute mesenteric vein thrombosis, thrombolysis and thrombectomy. The inclusion criteria were studies examining the impacts of transcatheter thrombolysis and thrombectomy in the management of acute MVT.

Results

Early transcatheter thrombectomy and thrombolysis achieves technical success in both patients and result in nearly complete recanalization of the venous system, with no recurrent thrombosis to date in follow up. Both patients do not require extensive bowel resection despite extensive thrombus on presentation. However, both patients develop intra-abdominal bleeding requiring blood transfusion and embolization of the transcatheter tract.

Conclusion

Catheter-directed first approach provides a minimal invasive approach for management of non-malignant and non-cirrhotic acute mesenteric thrombosis. It offers the benefits of rapid venous recanalization and avoid massing bowel resection despite extensive thrombosis. Subsequent progression into chronic MVT was also reduced. However, the procedure could lead to bleeding from puncture site and hence embolization of the catheter tract is advised during catheter removal.

Acute mesenteric ischaemia secondary to portal, splenic and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis

Mesenteric ischaemia represents an uncommon complication of splanchnic vein thrombosis which requires a high level of suspicion to diagnose in a timely manner. This report discusses a case of portal, splenic and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis leading to mesenteric ischaemia and infarct in a 79-year-old man. The diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischaemia and splanchnic vein thrombosis remains difficult due to the non-specific symptoms of these conditions. As diagnosis does continue to improve, treatment of acute mesenteric ischaemia using medical management has become increasingly possible before ischaemia advances to the point at which surgical resection is required.

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A Primer for Radiologists

The myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. Knowledge of the radiological and clinical features of MPNs and their associated complications is critical for interpreting radiologists. The purpose of this article is to provide a primer to radiologists summarizing the modern understanding of MPNs from an imaging-based perspective, including common disease-related findings and complications related to hematopoietic cell transplant.

A rare case of bleeding duodenal varices from superior mesenteric vein obstruction -treated with transhepatic recanalization and stent placement

Ectopic varices are complex and highly variable entities that are not fully understood. Duodenal varices from pancreatitis have rarely been reported. Ectopic varices have much higher bleeding rates than the more common gastro-esophageal varices, and are associated with higher mortality. The ideal management of this difficult problem is not only to ensure prompt hemostasis, but also address the etiology or hemodynamics of the ectopic varices. We discuss the endovascular management of bleeding duodenal varices, which developed from superior mesenteric vein occlusion, following repeated attacks of pancreatitis. This unusual case was managed by a multidisciplinary collaborative approach between the gastrointestinal service and Interventional radiology. The classification system for ectopic varices and management options has been discussed in some detail. Medium term follow-up (8 months), at the time of this writing, showed that the patient is doing well, without interval hematemesis, imaging findings of recurrent/new varices or stent occlusion.

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: an imaging review

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) comprises a group of diseases that are characterized by increased portal pressure in the absence of cirrhosis of the liver. It may arise as a result of either primary hepatic disease or the effects of systemic disorders on liver. The natural course of NCPH is largely indolent and benign with an overall better outcome than cirrhosis, as long as the complications of portal hypertension are properly managed and regular surveillance is carried out. However, due to the numerous and variable etiological factors and lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, this entity is under-recognized clinically as well as pathologically and often gets mislabeled as cryptogenic cirrhosis. Therefore, it is imperative for radiologists to be aware of the imaging features of various entities that constitute NCPH to facilitate early recognition of this disorder. The present review shall comprehensively discuss the role of imaging in the diagnosis of obliterative portal venopathy, which is a common and one of the most poorly understood disorders leading to NCPH. The other radiologically relevant entities will also be briefly appraised.

A Case of Live Donor Liver Transplantation in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure with Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Donor and Recipient with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Patient: Female, 47

Final Diagnosis: Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Symptoms: Liver failure • pneumonia • renal failure

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Live donor liver transplantation

Specialty: Transplantology

Approach to thrombosis at unusual sites: Splanchnic and cerebral vein thrombosis

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) and cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) are two manifestations of unusual site venous thromboembolism (VTE). SVT includes thrombosis in the portal, mesenteric or splenic veins, and the Budd-Chiari syndrome. CVT encompasses thrombosis of the dural venous sinuses and thrombosis of the cerebral veins. Unusual site VTE often represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge because of the heterogeneity in clinical presentation, the limited evidence available in the literature on the acute and long-term prognosis of these diseases, and the lack of large randomized controlled trials evaluating different treatment options. This narrative review describes the approach to patients with SVT or CVT by examining the diagnostic process, the assessment of potential risk factors and the appropriate anticoagulant treatment.

Clinical manifestations and imaging tools in the diagnosis of splanchnic and cerebral vein thromboses

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) and cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) are uncommon manifestation of venous thromboembolism (VTE), occurring less frequently than deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities and pulmonary embolism. SVT encompasses portal vein thrombosis, mesenteric vein thrombosis, splenic vein thrombosis and the Budd-Chiari syndrome. It is therefore a heterogeneous disease, with differences in clinical manifestations according to the site of thrombosis. CVT includes thrombosis of the cortical or deep cerebral veins and thrombosis of the major dural venous sinuses. Clinical presentation is variable, with a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms that can mimic other cerebral diseases. There are no clinical algorithms or specific laboratory tests that can guide in the identification of SVT and CVT; therefore, the diagnosis relies exclusively on imaging tests. Conventional angiography once was the gold standard for the diagnosis of SVT and CVT, but it is rarely used nowadays. Abdominal ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) with angiography are currently used for the diagnosis of SVT; while cerebral CT and MR with angiography are currently used for the diagnosis of CVT. These imaging tests have different sensitivities/specificities and different advantages/disadvantages that should be kept into consideration when choosing the appropriate imaging test based on the suspected site of thrombosis. This narrative review summarizes the clinical and diagnostic approach to SVT and CVT.

Testing for thrombophilia in mesenteric venous thrombosis - Retrospective original study and systematic review

The aim was to perform a local study of risk factors and thrombophilia in mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT), and to review the literature concerning thrombophilia testing in MVT. Patients hospitalized for surgical or medical treatment of MVT at our center 2000-2015. A systematic review of observational studies was performed. In the local study, the most frequently identified risk factor was Factor V Leiden mutation. The systematic review included 14 original studies. The highest pooled percentage of any inherited thrombophilic factor were: Factor V Leiden mutation 9% (CI 2.9-16.1), prothrombin gene mutation 7% (CI 2.7-11.8). The highest pooled percentage of acquired thrombophilic factors were JAK2 V617F mutation 14% (CI -1.9-28.1). The wide range of frequency of inherited and acquired thrombophilic factors in different populations indicates the necessity to relate these factors to background population based data in order to estimate their overrepresentation in MVT. There is a need to develop guidelines for when and how thrombophilia testing should be performed in MVT.

Mesenteric venous thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

This review explores the current literature on the natural history, diagnosis, and management of mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) in the modern era.

METHODS

A review of the contemporary literature from 1997 to 2016 on MVT and its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment was performed.

RESULTS

MVT is an insidious and lethal disease associated with acute mesenteric ischemia. The prevalence of MVT has increased sharply during the past two decades commensurate with an increase in radiographic imaging for abdominal complaints. The optimal treatment of and approach to MVT is controversial, given the poorly understood natural history of this rare disease. Both endovascular and open surgical strategies in addition to systemic anticoagulation have been used as adjuncts to treat MVT with limited success. Despite advances in treatment, mortality associated with MVT is still high. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that failure to recanalize the portomesenteric venous system leads to an increased risk for development of sequelae of portal hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

MVT is a challenging disease to treat, given the difficulty in establishing a prompt initial diagnosis and the inability to reliably monitor patients for evidence of impending bowel infarction. Careful selection of patients for endovascular, open, or hybrid approaches is key to achieving improved outcomes. However, the paucity of prospective data and our evolving understanding of the natural history of MVT make consensus treatment strategies difficult to ascertain.

A Case of Acute Budd-Chiari Syndrome Complicating Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome Presenting as Acute Abdomen and Responding to Tight Anticoagulant Therapy

A 34-year-old woman with primary antiphospholipid syndrome was admitted to the Gastroenterology Department of our hospital with fever, acute abdomen, watery diarrhea, and extremely high levels of inflammatory parameters. She had a history of left lower limb deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and was taking warfarin potassium. Acute gastroenteritis was suspected and an antibiotic was administered, but symptoms progressed. Abdominal ultrasonography showed occlusion of the left hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein and her D-dimer level was high. Accordingly, Budd-Chiari syndrome was diagnosed and high-dose intravenous infusion of heparin was initiated. Her abdominal symptoms improved and the levels of inflammatory parameters and D-dimer decreased rapidly. It is known that antiphospholipid syndrome can be complicated by Budd-Chiari syndrome that usually occurs as subacute or chronic onset, but acute onset is rare. It is difficult to diagnose acute Budd-Chiari syndrome complicating antiphospholipid syndrome and this complication generally has a poor outcome. However, the present case can get early diagnosis and successful treatment with tight anticoagulant therapy.