Copyright
©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jul 28, 2008; 14(28): 4580-4582
Published online Jul 28, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.4580
Published online Jul 28, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.4580
Septic thrombophlebitis of the porto-mesenteric veins as a complication of acute appendicitis
Yeon Soo Chang, Sun Young Min, Sun Hyung Joo, Suk-Hwan Lee, Department of Surgery, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul 134-727, South Korea
Author contributions: Chang YS, Lee SH equally contributed to this work; Lee SH made an idea of reporting the case; Chang YS and Min SY wrote this paper; Joo SH directed the therapeutic plan and researched bibliography.
Correspondence to: Suk-Hwan Lee, MD, Department of Surgery, Kyung Hee University Neo Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, #149 Sangil-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 134-727, South Korea. leeshdr@khu.ac.kr
Telephone: +82-2-4406134
Fax: +82-2-4406295
Received: March 23, 2008
Revised: May 10, 2008
Accepted: May 17, 2008
Published online: July 28, 2008
Revised: May 10, 2008
Accepted: May 17, 2008
Published online: July 28, 2008
Abstract
Pylephlebitis, a rare complication of acute appendicitis, is defined as thrombophlebitis of the portal venous system. Pylephlebitis usually occurs due to secondary infection in the region drained into the portal system. We report a case of pylephlebitis caused by acute appendicitis. The patient was transferred from a private clinic 1 wk after appendectomy with the chief complaints of high fever and abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with pylephlebitis of the portal vein and superior mesenteric vein by CT-scan. The patient was treated with antibiotics and anticoagulation therapy, and discharged on the 25th day and follow-up CT scan showed a cavernous transformation of portal thrombosis.