Appendicitis in an eleven-year-old boy complicated by thrombosis of the portal and superior mesenteric veins

Mesenteric venous thrombosis as a complication of appendicitis in an adolescent: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Mesenteric venous thrombosis is an uncommon but potentially fatal condition that can cause bowel ischemia. It results from a systemic hypercoagulable state or abdominal infection draining into the portal venous system. Several cases regarding portomesenteric venous thrombosis as a complication of appendicitis were reported in adults, but there are far fewer reports in pediatric patients. The mortality rate of the condition is high if untreated, especially in children, reaching up to 50%.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A healthy 15-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented with right lower quadrant pain, lethargy, and fever. The computed tomography scan showed a focal thrombosis at the superior mesenteric vein branch and an inflamed appendix.

DIAGNOSES

Mesenteric venous thrombosis complicating acute appendicitis.

INTERVENTIONS

Intravenous antibiotics along with anticoagulants and laparoscopic appendectomy OUTCOMES:: After 1 month, a follow-up ultrasonography revealed full resolution of the thrombosis.

LESSONS

Appendicitis is one of the most frequently encountered causes of pediatric surgical emergencies; therefore, physicians should be conscious of mesenteric venous thrombosis as a possible complication of acute appendicitis, irrespective of whether patients have thrombophilic conditions or not.

A rare complication of acute appendicitis: Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis

INTRODUCTION

Very few cases of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis have been reported as a complication of appendicitis. In these handful of cases, the thrombosis was identified early with computerised tomography scan and patients have been managed conservatively with antibiotics and anticoagulation.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 45-year-old gentleman presented to the emergency department with a 13-day history of right lower quadrant abdominal pain and rigors. CT scan of the abdomen revealed an appendicular mass and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. The patient was initially managed by anticoagulation and antibiotics for two weeks and was discharged after satisfactory clinical improvement. He represented after discharge for increased severity of his abdominal pain and abnormal inflammatory markers. Emergency open appendicectomy for complicated appendicitis was performed and his postoperative course was unremarkable. He was discharged on the 7th postoperative day with anticoagulation. Outpatient review at two months was unremarkable.

DISCUSSION

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical presentation where history and examination is key in clinching the diagnosis. Inflammatory markers and imaging modalities such as a CT scan can be helpful. Although surgical intervention is the mainstay of treatment, conservative management with antibiotics is an option if the diagnosis of appendicitis is equivocal. Recent evidence has revealed that elective appendicectomy is not necessary upon successful conservative management. Acute appendicitis can lead to local perforations and abscesses. Complications such as thrombosis in the superior mesenteric vein are rare and can be managed successfully with anticoagulants.

CONCLUSION

Although this is a rare complication of appendicitis, the case was managed successfully with a conservative approach. This is inline with the general consensus which is to treat superior mesenteric vein thrombosis secondary to appendicitis conservatively unless the patient deteriorates.

[Pylephlebitis in the child: a challenging diagnosis]

Pylephlebitis or septic thrombophlebitis of the portomesenteric veins is a complication of intra-abdominal infections. The disease is rare in children and the diagnosis is often delayed. The morbidity of pylephlebitis is relatively low, although there is a risk of residual thrombosis. We report on 2 cases of pylephlebitis in a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy, following undiagnosed appendicitis. In the 1st case, the young girl had been misdiagnosed with Salmonella infection and was given antibiotics; in the 2nd case, the boy had retrocecal appendicitis that was clinically subacute. An accurate diagnosis was finally made in both cases by CT scan. Both children evolved satisfactorily following appendectomy, long-term antibiotics, and anticoagulation. Clinically, the severe sepsis associated with pylephlebitis is at the forefront. Physical examination is often normal and therefore of little help; the knowledge of a preceding abdominal infection leads to further radiological investigations. Biologically, there are pronounced signs of infection. CT is the preferred exam for diagnosing pylephlebitis, as it can also show the underlying cause of the intra-abdominal sepsis or possible complications. Doppler sonography is recommended more for follow-up of the portal vein thrombosis. Treatment of pylephlebitis associated with appendicitis always includes long-term antibiotics. An appendectomy is always performed either at the time of diagnosis or later. The need for anticoagulation therapy in children is controversial. However, most pediatricians recommend its use, beginning as soon as possible, to be continued until normalization of portal vein flow.

Pylephlebitis due to perforated appendicitis in a teenager

Pylephlebitis, a septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein, is a life-threatening complication of intraabdominal infections, commonly associated with acute appendicitis in children, and diverticulitis in adults. A 13-year-old boy was admitted for high fever and jaundice. On the fifth day of hospitalization, ultrasound Doppler flow and Computer Tomography scan studies showed thrombosis of the portal vein and acute appendicitis. The patient was treated with antibiotics, anticoagulation and laparotomy with appendectomy. No thrombophilic risk factors were diagnosed. Our aim is to improve physicians' awareness of this complication and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate therapy in children in order to reduce serious complications and long-term sequels.

Liver abscesses in children: a single center experience in the developed world

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiologic features, predisposing risk factors, and complications of children with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) referred to a tertiary pediatric hepatology center.

METHODS

We analyzed our database of all children referred to our unit over a 10 year period and performed a case note review of all patients with a radiologically proven PLA.

RESULTS

PLA was diagnosed in 15 children (7 boys), 0.5% of all referrals. They presented at a median age of 10 years (range 2 months-15 years). In three children (2 boys), PLA was the first manifestation of chronic granulomatous disease. Among the others, five had radiologic evidence of other intra-abdominal pathology (1 with subsequently proven appendicitis), and four developed portal vein thrombosis with portal hypertension. The commonest isolated pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. Combined treatment with guided aspiration and prolonged intravenous antibiotics was successful in all patients.

CONCLUSION

PLA is a rare diagnosis in children in the developed world. It may be caused by primary neutrophil disorders even in the absence of a previous history of infection. Co-existent appendicitis, intra-abdominal sepsis, and ascending pylephlebitis must be sought because these children are at risk of developing portal vein obstruction and portal hypertension. Prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment guided by microbiologic sensitivities is highly effective.

Pylephlebitis after appendicitis in a child

Septic phlebitis of the portal vein, or pylephlebitis, is a rare but potentially severe complication of abdominal sepsis. The authors present a case of pylephlebitis after perforated retrocecal appendicitis in a child and discuss the etiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this disorder in the modern era.

Pylephlebitis, portal-mesenteric thrombosis, and multiple liver abscesses owing to perforated appendicitis

The authors report a case of a ruptured retrocecal appendix presenting with pylephlebitis, portal-mesenteric thrombosis, and multiple liver abscesses in an 8-year-old boy. A right hemicolectomy was performed, and liver abscesses were drained. The patient was treated with long-term antibiotics and anticoagulation. This the only case of perforated appendicitis associated with these 3 morbid complications in the modern literature.