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Mesenteric venous thrombosis

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Mesenteric venous thrombosis

Definition:

Mesenteric venous thrombosis occurs when a blood clot blocks off one of the mesenteric veins, which are the major veins that drain blood from the intestine. This compromises the blood supply to the intestine and can result in intestinal gangrene and tissue death.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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There are a variety of causes of mesenteric venous thrombosis. Many of the disease processes that lead to this condition cause inflammation of the tissues through which the mesenteric veins run. Such inflammation damages the mesenteric veins and predisposes them to clot formation (thrombosis).

Pancreatitis, diverticulitis, and (less commonly) appendicitis can all lead to inflammation and mesenteric venous thrombosis. Liver disease with cirrhosis is also associated with mesenteric venous thrombosis. Patients with hypercoagulable states -- in which the blood is more likely to clot -- are also at risk for mesenteric venous thrombosis. Such hypercoagulable states can be inherited or associated with cancer or pregnancy.

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