Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  2009 Sep;12(2):221-225.

Isolated Splenic Vein Thrombosis Associated with Acute Pancreatitis

• Song HS
• Yang NR
• Jin SH
• Choi KD
• Jang YT

Abstract

Pancreatic disease is the most frequent cause of isolated splenic vein thrombosis. Splenic vein thrombosis causes a localized form of portal hypertension known as sinistral or left-sided portal hypertension. Splenic vein thrombosis may be complicated by the formation of gastric varices, with the potential of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Whereas splenectomy is considered to be the treatment of choice for symptomatic splenic vein thrombosis, the role of splenectomy in the patient with asymptomatic splenic vein thrombosis remains controversial. We report a rare case of acute pancreatitis complicated by isolated asymptomatic splenic vein thrombosis. Recognition of this disease entity is important because the risk of secondary variceal bleeding, while uncommon, can be life-threatening.

Keyword

Pancreatitis; Splenic vein thrombosis

MeSH Terms

Esophageal and Gastric Varices
Hemorrhage
Humans
Hypertension, Portal
Pancreatic Diseases
Pancreatitis
Splenectomy
Splenic Vein
Thrombosis