Septic thrombophlebitis of the inferior mesenteric vein from sigmoid diverticulitis

CT findings of misleading features of colonic diverticulitis

Colonic diverticulitis (CD) is a common entity whose diagnosis is particularly based on computed tomography (CT) examination, which is the imaging technique of choice. However, unusual CT findings of CD may lead to several difficulties and potential pitfalls: due to technical errors in the management of the CT examination, due to the anatomical situation of the diseased colon, in diagnosing unusual complications that may concern the gastrointestinal tract, intra- and retroperitoneal viscera or the abdominal wall, and in differentiating CD from other abdominal inflammatory and infectious conditions or colonic cancer. The aim of this work is to delineate the pitfalls of CT imaging and illustrate misleading CT features in patients with suspected CD.

[Pylephlebitis in the course of diverticulitis]

Pylephlebitis or septic portal thrombophlebitis is a rare but serious condition which may occur following intra-abdominal sepsis from any source. Sigmoid diverticulitis is one of the most common sources. Modern imaging modalities, particularly CT, have increased the recognition of this condition. Standard treatment consists of anticoagulation plus antibiotic therapy to cover anaerobic and gram negative organisms. The duration of anticoagulation therapy remains controversial. Sigmoid colectomy may be required in cases of perforated diverticulitis or failure of medical therapy.

Pylephlebitis and mesenteric thrombophlebitis in sigmoid diverticulitis: medical approach, delayed surgery

A 57-year-old woman presented with fever, vomiting and arthralgia, with a history of rheumatoid arthritis. Laboratory tests showed leucocytes, anaemia and elevation of C-reactive-protein (CRP). Blood cultures were positive for Gram negative bacteria and Streptococcus viridans. Patient underwent abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) scan revealing sigmoid acute diverticulitis with peridiverticular abscesses and thrombophlebitis within the inferior mesenteric and portal veins. She started antibiotic and anticoagulant therapy. After 20 days, a second CT revealed a thrombosis involving the superior mesenteric vein also. After 22 days of therapy the patient was discharged with the resolution of the septic status. Two months after discharge the patient underwent left hemicolectomy for a histopathologically documented diverticulitis with an uneventful postoperative course. This is a description of a rare association of septic thrombosis within the portal, inferior mesenteric and superior mesenteric veins during acute sigmoid diverticulitis with abdominal abscesses. Our therapeutic strategy was a first line medical approach and delayed surgery.

Mesenteric Venous Thrombophlebitis–Septic Thrombophlebitis of the Inferior Mesenteric Vein: An Unusual Manifestation of Diverticulitis

We report a case of a 57-year-old female patient who presented with fever, abdominal pain, and bacteremia. A CT scan demonstrated sigmoid diverticulitis and air within the inferior mesenteric vein. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and sigmoid colectomy. She was discharged without complications. Septic thrombophlebitis of the inferior mesenteric vein is a rare complication of diverticulitis. It may manifest as bacteremia not responding to intravenous antibiotics. CT scan findings are diagnostic, and include evidence of intraluminal gas within the inferior mesenteric vein. As with any case of complicated diverticulitis, the treatment is surgical resection of the involved colon.