Pylephlebitis as a Complication of Acute Appendicitis

ABSTRACT

Pylephlebitis is defined as septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein or one of its tributaries, and is usually secondary to an infection in the region drained by the portal venous system. Pylephlebitis is extremely rare today but high mortality still persists. It is a severe complication of acute appendicitis and other intraabdominal and pelvic infections. The patient presents with high fever, chills, leukocytosis, altered liver function, and sometimes jaundice. We describes two cases of pylephlebitis with acute appendicitis. One patient had pylephlebitis with multiple liver abscess and the other had superior mesnteric vein thrombi without liver abscesses. Both the patients had favorable outcomes with medical and surgical therapy. The early diagnosis and treatment with the timely administration of antibiotics and surgical therapy is most important for pylephlebitis.