Aortic thrombosis during sigmoidoscopy in Behçet's syndrome.
A patient with Behçet's syndrome suffered acute paraparesis during sigmoidoscopy. An aortogram demonstrated thrombosis of the distal abdominal aorta just above the bifurcation; thrombectomy resulted in complete return of neurologic function. Examination of the clot disclosed a preponderance of polymorphonuclear granulocytes. We propose that mechanical trauma from this otherwise benign procedure caused the vascular lesion. Patients with a similar predisposition to arterial or venous thrombosis may, in unusual circumstances, be jeopardized by proctosigmoidoscopy.
D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D001528:Behcet Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology*