Anticoagulation and delayed bowel resection in the management of mesenteric venous thrombosis

Idiopathic superior mesenteric venous thrombosis requiring bowel resection: a report of four cases

BACKGROUND

Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (SMVT) is mostly treated with anticoagulation therapy; however, SMVT can lead to irreversible bowel ischemia and require bowel resection in the acute or subacute phase.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report four cases of SMVT that required careful observation and bowel resection. Case 1: A 71-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting that showed a completely occluded SMV with thrombus and small bowel ischemia. Case 2: A 47-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, peritoneal irritation symptoms, and a completely occluded SMV with thrombus, ischemia of the small bowel, and massive ascites. Case 3: A 68-year-old man presented with abdominal pain and vomiting for several days and showed a partially occluded SMV with a thrombus, bowel ischemia, and massive ascites. Case 4: A 68-year-old man presented with acute abdominal pain and a partially occluded SMV with thrombus and bowel edema without ischemic changes. Anticoagulation therapy was administered; however, 3 days later, abdominal pain and bowel ischemia worsened. Bowel resection was performed in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Most idiopathic SMVT cases can be treated with anticoagulation therapy or endovascular thrombectomy. However, in cases with peritoneal irritation signs, these treatments may be ineffective, and bowel resection may be required.

A clinical analysis of intestinal mucosal necrosis and exfoliation induced by superior mesenteric vein thrombosis: A case report

Background

Superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis is a rare intestinal ischemic disease. The clinical manifestations of patients differ, and most experience gastrointestinal symptoms.

Case summary

A 45-year-old female patient presented with persistent abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding for 7 days. A physical examination revealed significant abdominal tenderness with positive rebound tenderness. A laboratory examination revealed a white blood cell count of 27 × 10⁹/l, hemoglobin level of 52 g/L, and D-dimer of 4.54 mg/l. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a thickening and swelling of the jejunum and ileum in the left upper quadrant and portal vein. Filling defects in the main lumen and branch lumen suggested the possibility of portal vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Symptoms improved after treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin. One month later, the patient developed occasional dull pain in the left lower quadrant, with long strips of discharge. An electronic colonoscopy revealed avascular necrosis and tissue exfoliation of the intestinal mucosa. After the continuation of warfarin therapy, the abdominal pain resolved. Five months later, the patient experienced recurrent abdominal pain and vomiting. A physical examination revealed a blood pressure of 75/49 mm Hg. An incomplete ileus with the portal and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis was diagnosed, partial jejunectomy and gastrointestinal bypass anastomosis were performed, and warfarin was continued postoperatively.

Conclusion

The intestinal mucosal shedding observed, in this case, was caused by SMV thrombosis, which enriched the clinical manifestations of the disease and provided a new basis for the clinical diagnosis of SMV thrombosis.

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.

A rapid preliminary prediction model for intestinal necrosis in acute mesenteric ischemia: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition. However, there is no accurate method to predict intestinal necrosis in AMI patients that may facilitate early surgical intervention. This study thus aimed to explore a simple and accurate model to predict intestinal necrosis in patients with AMI.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was performed on the data of 132 AMI patients treated between October 2011 and June 2020. The patients were divided into the intestinal necrosis and non-intestinal necrosis groups. The clinical characteristics and laboratory data were analyzed by univariate analysis, and the variables with statistical significance were further analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The independent predictors of intestinal necrosis were determined and a logistic prediction model was established. Finally, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the model in predicting intestinal necrosis were evaluated.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that white blood cell (WBC) count, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, neutrophil ratio, prothrombin time (PT), and LnD-dimer were associated with intestinal necrosis. According to logistic regression multivariate analysis, WBC count, BUN level and LnD-dimer were independent predictors of intestinal necrosis. These parameters were used to establish a clinical prediction model of intestinal necrosis (CPMIN) as follows: model score = 0.349 × BUN (mmol/L) + 0.109 × WBC × 109 (109/L) + 0.394 × LnD - Dimer (ug/L) - 7.883. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of the model was 0.889 (95% confidence interval: 0.833-0.944). Model scores greater than - 0.1992 predicted the onset of intestinal necrosis. The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of the model were 82.6%, 78.2%, and 88.3%, respectively. The proportion of intestinal necrosis in the high-risk patient group (CPMIN score ≥ - 0.1992) was much greater than that in the low-risk patient group (CPMIN score < - 0.1992; 82.7% vs. 15.0%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The CPMIN can effectively predict intestinal necrosis and guide early surgical intervention to improve patient prognosis. Patients with AMI who are classified as high-risk should be promptly treated with surgery to avoid the potential complications caused by delayed operation. Patients classified as low-risk group can receive non-surgical treatment. This model may help to lower the morbidity and mortality from AMI. However, this model's accuracy should be validated by larger sample size studies in the future.

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.

Outcomes and clinical characteristics of transmural intestinal necrosis in acute mesenteric ischemia

Background: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a rare life-threatening condition, especially for the patients with transmural intestinal necrosis (TIN). However, the optimal time for surgical intervention is controversial. As a series study, this study aimed to identify the outcomes and clinical characteristic of patients with TIN. Methods: Clinical data of 158 patients with AMI from January 2010 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed in a national gastrointestinal referral center in China to confirm the outcomes and identify predictors for TIN. Results: According to the results of pathological assessment and follow-up, 62 patients were TIN and 96 were non-TIN. Patients with TIN have a higher mortality and incidence of severe complications. The significant independent predictors for TIN were arterial lactate level (OR: 4.76 [2.29 ∼ 9.89]), free intraperitoneal fluid (OR: 9.49 [2.56 ∼ 35.24]) and pneumatosis intestinalis (OR: 7.08 [1.68 ∼ 29.82]) in computed tomography (CT) scan imaging. The overall area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of the model was 0.934 (95% confidence interval: 0.893 ∼ 0.974). Using ROC curve, the cutoff value of arterial lactate level predicting the onset of TIN was 2.65 mmol/L. Conclusions: Patients concomitant with TIN manifest a higher risk of poor prognosis. The three predictors for TIN were arterial lactate level >2.65 mmol/L, free intraperitoneal fluid and pneumatosis intestinalis. Close monitoring these predictors would help identify AMI patients developed TIN and in urgent need for bowel resection.

Post-traumatic superior mesenteric venous thrombosis with subsequent extension to the portal vein

Acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis was first described in 1935 by Warren and Eberhardt. It is a potentially life-threatening condition, as it can lead to bowel ischemia and, ultimately, infarction. Its etiology may be primary or secondary to acquired prothrombotic conditions. Early recognition of mesenteric venous thrombosis is important, but can be challenging due to its nonspecific clinical presentation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is currently the gold standard for diagnosis. Systemic anticoagulation and surgical resection of the necrotic segment are the two main treatments. Here, we describe a case of acute post-traumatic superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, which was treated with systemic anticoagulation and resection of the ischemic bowel segment, with subsequent extension of the thrombosis to the portal vein.

Acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis associated with abdominal trauma: A rare case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Acute mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is defined as new-onset thrombosis of the mesenteric vein without evidence of collateralization, finally resulting in extensive intestinal infarction. MVT may be idiopathic or be caused by conditions responsible for thrombophilia and acquired risk factors. To date, there have been few reports of MVT after trauma. Herein we describe our experiences treating three patients with MVT.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Case 1 was a 44-year-old man with transverse colon mesenteric hematoma after blunt abdominal trauma. Case 2 was a 55-year-old man with jejunal transection after a traffic accident. Case 3 was a 26-year-old man presented with multiple abdominal stab bowel injury.

DIAGNOSES

A 1-week follow-up abdominal computed tomography scan showed superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in all of three patients.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients were treated with anticoagulant for 3 or 6 months.

OUTCOMES

MVTs were completely resolved without any complications.

LESSONS

If early diagnosis and treatment could be available, anticoagulation alone might be adequate for the treatment of SMVT associated with trauma. Early anticoagulation in patients with acute SMVT may avoid the grave prognosis observed in patients with arterial thrombosis.

Treatment outcomes and risk factors for bowel infarction in patients with acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

The prognosis of acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (SMVT) remains obscure. We aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes and possible risk factors for bowel infarction in these patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively included 66 patients with acute SMVT between January 2002 and June 2016. Each patient underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography as part of the initial diagnosis. The standard protocol for management included a nonsurgical approach with early anticoagulation and selective exploration. For the analysis of the risk factors for bowel infarction, patients were divided into bowel resection (BR) and non-BR groups. Outcomes of interest were causes of SMVT, percentage of BR after nonsurgical treatment, and risk factors for BR.

RESULTS

Of 66 patients, 15 (23%) underwent BR; of these, 9 underwent urgent BR because of peritoneal signs and definite findings of bowel infarction on computed tomography scan, 4 underwent BR after failed anticoagulation, and 2 underwent BR because of delayed stricture. Clinically, vomiting (P = .003), abdominal distention (P = .003), rebound tenderness (P = .005), and leukocytosis (P = .001) were associated with BR. On radiologic examination, bowel wall thickening (P < .001), enhancement defects of the bowel wall (P < .001), and ascites (P = .007) were associated with BR. Twenty-seven (41%) patients presented with isolated SMVT, and the remaining patients demonstrated a coexisting portal vein (PV) thrombosis in addition to SMVT. All 15 BRs occurred in patients with combined PV thrombosis and SMVT (P < .001). Complete thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein and PV was also associated with BR (P = .028 for superior mesenteric vein; P = .025 for PV). BR was performed in 1 (4%) of 24 patients with transient risk factors compared with 14 (33%) of 42 patients without transient risk factors (P = .006). Three patients (4.5%) died in the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute SMVT, the extent of thrombus and etiology were associated with the severity of acute SMVT. Patients with transient risk factors and isolated SMVT tended to have a benign disease course. With early anticoagulation, acute SMVT does not seem to have the grave prognosis that is associated with arterial thrombosis.

Postoperative Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis Versus Systemic Anticoagulation for Acute Superior Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Little data evaluate catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) therapy as a sequential treatment of emergent surgery for patients with acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (ASMVT). We compared the outcomes of ASMVT patients receiving CDT via superior mesenteric artery (SMA) with those who had systemic anticoagulation after emergent laparotomy.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study of ASMVT patients receiving emergent laparotomy from May 2012 to April 2014 was performed. Patients in group I had postoperative systemic anticoagulation and patients in group II underwent postoperative CDT. The demography, etiology, imaging features, clinical outcomes, and complications were compared. Moreover, univariate analysis was performed to identify confounding variables of 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (20 males, mean age of 44.9 ± 10.6 years) were included, 17 in group I and 15 in group II. No significant differences of demographic data, etiology, baseline value, and perioperative comorbidity were found. The rate of complete thrombus removal was significantly higher in group II than group I (29.4% vs. 80.0%, P = 0.001). The second-look laparotomy and repeat bowel resection (58.8% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.002) were required in fewer patients in group II (20.0% vs. 70.6%, P = 0.001). The incidence of short-bowel syndrome (SBS; 41.2% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.001) and 30-day mortality (41.2% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.001) were lower in group II. The 1-year survival was also better in group II (52.9% vs. 93.3%, P = 0.014). The incidence of massive abdominal hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion and surgical intervention was 11.8% in group I and 20.0% in group II (P = 0.645). The age, serum D-dimer level, SBS, and postoperative CDT were significant risk factors of 30-day mortality in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

For ASMVT patients receiving emergent surgery and intraoperative thrombectomy, the algorithm with postoperative CDT via SMA is associated with more favorable clinical outcome compared with systemic anticoagulation.

Transcatheter thrombolysis combined with damage control surgery for treatment of acute mesenteric venous thrombosis associated with bowel necrosis: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of transcatheter thrombolysis in acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (ASMVT) associated with bowel necrosis.

METHODS

A retrospective study of six patients with ASMVT treated with catheter-directed thrombectomy/thrombolysis and damage control surgery at Jinling Hospital (Nanjing, China) between 2010 and 2013 was conducted. Demographics, past medical history, risk factors, therapeutic methods and effects, mortality, and follow-up of the study population were assessed.

RESULTS

Five of six patients underwent arteriovenous combined thrombolysis, while one patient underwent arterial thrombolysis. All patients required damage control surgery, and four of these patients underwent temporary abdominal closure. All patients survived and were free of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter thrombectomy/thrombolysis and damage control surgery could help avoid extensive bowel resection, prevent short bowel syndrome and reduce mortality for critically ill patients with acute mesenteric venous thrombosis associated with bowel necrosis.

Initial transcatheter thrombolysis for acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis

AIM

To determine the optimal initial treatment modality for acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (ASMVT) in patients with circumscribed peritonitis.

METHODS

A retrospective review was made of the Vascular Surgery Department's medical records to identify adult patients (≥ 18 years old) presenting with circumscribed peritonitis and diagnosed with ASMVT by imaging or endoscopic examination. Patients were selected from the time period between October 2009 and October 2012 to assess the overall performance of a new first-line treatment policy implemented in May 2011 for patients with circumscribed peritonitis, which recommends transcatheter thrombolysis with local anticoagulation and endovascular mechanical thrombectomy. Of the 25 patients selected for study inclusion, 12 had undergone emergency surgical exploration (group 1) and 13 had undergone the initial catheter-directed thrombolysis (group 2). Data extracted from each patient's records for statistical analyses included method of diagnosis, symptoms, etiology and risk factors, thrombus location, initial management, morbidity, mortality, duration and total cost of hospitalization (in Renminbi, RMB), secondary operation, total length of bowel resection, duration of and findings in follow-up, and death/survival.

RESULTS

The two treatment groups showed similar rates of morbidity, 30-d mortality, and 1-year survival, as well as similar demographic characteristics, etiology or risk factors, computed tomography characteristics, symptoms, findings of blood testing at admission, complications, secondary operations, and follow-up outcomes. In contrast, the patients who received the initial non-operative treatment of transcatheter thrombolysis had significantly shorter durations of admission to symptom elimination (group 1: 18.25 ± 7.69 d vs group 2: 7.23 ± 2.42 d) and hospital stay (43.00 ± 13.77 d vs 20.46 ± 6.59 d), and early enteral or oral nutrition restoration (20.50 ± 5.13 d vs 8.92 ± 1.89 d), as well as significantly less total length of bowel resection (170.83 ± 61.27 cm vs 29.23 ± 50.24 cm) and lower total cost (200020.4 ± 91505.62 RMB vs 72785.6 ± 21828.16 RMB) (P < 0.05 for all). Statistical analyses suggested that initial transcatheter thrombolysis is correlated with quicker resolution of the thrombus, earlier improvement of symptoms, stimulation of collateral vessel development, reversal of intestinal ischemia, receipt of localizing bowel resection to prevent short bowel syndrome, shorter hospitalization, and lower overall cost of treatment.

CONCLUSION

For ASMVT patients with circumscribed peritonitis, early diagnosis is key to survival, and non-operative transcatheter thrombolysis is feasible and effective as an initial treatment.

Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis after laparoscopic exploration for small bowel obstruction

Mesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare cause of intestinal ischemia which is potentially life-threatening because it can lead to intestinal infarction. Mesenteric venous thrombosis rarely develops after abdominal surgery and is usually associated with coagulation disorders. Associated symptoms are generally subtle or nonspecific, often resulting in delayed diagnosis. A 68-year-old woman underwent laparoscopic exploration for small bowel obstruction, secondary to adhesions. During the procedure, an intestinal perforation was identified and repaired. Postoperatively, the abdominal pain persisted and repeat exploration was undertaken. At repeat exploration, a perforation was identified in the small bowel with a surrounding abscess. After the second operation, the abdominal pain improved but anorexia persisted. Contrast enhanced abdominal computed tomography was performed which revealed superior mesenteric venous thrombosis. Anticoagulation therapy with heparin was started immediately and the thrombus resolved over the next 6 days. Although rare, this complication must be considered in patients after abdominal surgery with unexplained abdominal symptoms.