Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis secondary to acute appendicitis in a young male: A Case Report

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the abdomen, while superior mesenteric vein thrombosis is a rare and potentially fatal complication of acute appendicitis. This report describes a case of a 26-year-old male initially presenting with nonspecific symptoms including coughing, runny nose, vomiting, and diffuse stomach ache. Radiological evaluation with an emergency computed tomography (CT) scan revealed acute complicated appendicitis with abscess formation, perforation, and a large thrombosis in the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). The patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with ileocecal resection of the appendix and right-sided ileostomy placement. Treatment included antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy. SMV thrombosis is challenging to diagnose clinically, and early diagnosis and treatment are vital. A CT scan plays a significant role in detecting unsuspected SMV thrombosis, highlighting the importance for radiologists to be aware of this rare complication to appendicitis.

Keywords

• Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis
• Acute appendicitis
• Appendicular abscess
• Ileocecal resection
• Anticoagulation therapy