Idiopathic Entero-colic Lymphocytic Phlebitis: A case report

Paik, Seung Sam; Oh, Young Ha; Hong, Eun Kyung; Lee, Jung Dal

Abstract

Localized enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis is characterized by selective phlebitis involving the small to medium-sized veins and venules, infiltration exclusively by lymphocytes, and no other systemic vasculitis or inflammatory bowel disease. This vasculitis can be a rare cause of intestinal ischemia. We experienced a case of enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis in a 72-year-old woman, who presented with abdominal pain and distension. The resected colon and terminal ileum showed striking lymphocytic phlebitis affecting the veins and venules of the bowel and mesentery which resulted in ischemic injury of the bowel. This vasculopathy was the only demonstrable cause of ischemia. Arteritis and arteriolitis was not found. There is no clinical or laboratory evidence or a history of extraintestinal vasculitis. The etiology of this clinicopathological entity has not been elucidated. Herein, we report the clinicopathological findings in this patient who presented with ischemic intestinal necrosis caused by localized intestinal lymphocytic phlebitis associated with thrombosis.