Prevalence, pattern of presentation, risk factors and outcome of acute mesenteric venous thrombosis in Taif province, Saudi Arabia, a single center study

ABSTRACT

Mesenteric venous thrombosis has a global incidence of 10-15% of all cases of mesenteric ischemia; however reports from high altitude provinces of Saudi Arabia as Taif and Aseer recorded an incidence above 60%. The aim of this study is to record the incidence, pattern of presentation, risk factors; diagnostic tools and outcome of treatment in a single center [King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital] Taif, Saudi Arabia. In this retrospective chart review study, we reviewed the records and data of all patients presented to King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia from January 2009 to January 2013 and their final diagnosis were proved to be acute mesenteric venous thrombosis. Traumatic, postoperative and non occlusive cases were excluded from the study. Sixteen patients with final diagnosis of acute mesenteric venous thrombosis were included in this study, out of 26 patients [61.5%] presented and diagnosed as acute occlusive mesenteric ischemia. Males were more affected than females. The mean age of the patients was 55 +/- 13.4 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.9 +/- 1.4 days. The most common presenting symptoms were; abdominal pain followed by nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bloody diarrhea and fever. The most prevalent physical findings was tachycardia followed by ileus, 5 patients presented by marked peritoneal signs 3 of them were shocked. Multiple risk factors were detected in all patients. Laboratory findings were not conclusive and diagnosis was established by CT angiography in most of the patients. During operation, all patients were found to have a segment of infarction of the small intestine and in one of them the cecum was involved. Resection of the gangrenous parts was done for all patients. Second look operation was performed in 25% of patients. The total mortality was 18.75%. Acute mesenteric venous thrombosis is the most common cause of acute occlusive mesenteric ischemia in Taif province and this may be related to multiple risk factors. Being familiar with this disease is essential in making the correct diagnosis to be followed by prompt resuscitation with heparinization to be continued postoperatively to prevent recurrent thrombosis. Laparotomy should be performed as soon as metabolic and hemodynamic correction is done with resection of any infracted segment. A second look operation may be required. If these steps are followed strictly and without delay, the prognosis of mesenteric venous thrombosis is often favorable