title: Pylephlebitis of a variant mesenteric vein complicating sigmoid diverticulitis.
abstract: Pylephlebitis--suppurative thrombophlebitis of the portal and/or mesenteric veins--is a rare complication of abdominal infections, especially diverticulitis. It can lead to severe complications such as hepatic abscess, sepsis, peritonitis, bowel ischemia, etc., which increase the mortality rate. Here we present a case of suppurative thrombophlebitis of the inferior mesenteric vein, as a complication of sigmoid diverticulitis. The epidemiology, clinical and radiological features as well as treatment strategies are discussed. We also review the anatomy of the mesenteric vein given its anatomic variation in the present case and how this anatomic knowledge might influence the operative approach should surgery be necessary.
authors: Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kantonsspital Baselland, 4101 Bruderholz, Switzerland.
authors: Anna L
authors: AL
authors: Falkowski
authors: Cantonal Institute of Pathology, Kantonsspital Baselland, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland.
authors: Gieri
authors: G
authors: Cathomas
authors: Department of surgery, Kantonsspital Baselland, 4101 Bruderholz, Switzerland.
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Zerz
authors: Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kantonsspital Baselland, 4101 Bruderholz, Switzerland.
authors: Helmut
authors: H
authors: Rasch
authors: Infectious Diseases Service, Kantonsspital Baselland, University of Basel, 4101 Bruderholz, Switzerland.
authors: Philip E
authors: PE
authors: Tarr
mesh_terms: D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004238:Diverticulitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008642:Mesenteric Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: CT; inferior mesenteric vein; mesenteric thrombosis; mesenteric vein variant; pylephlebitis; sigmoid diverticulitis