"Splenic vein thrombosis is an uncommon condition in which the splenic vein becomes thrombosed, most frequently occurring in the context of pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. Whilst for the most part asymptomatic, splenic vein thrombosis increases the risk of gastric varices and associated upper GI haemorrhage."
"Most patients will present silently with no symptoms related to splenic vein thrombosis, although left-sided portal hypertension can occur 2,9, which can cause upper GI bleeding due to associated gastric varices 2-5. While presentation can also relate to abdominal pain secondary to splenomegaly 1, splenic vein thrombosis is more commonly diagnosed on imaging rather than by the clinical triad of splenomegaly, normal liver enzymes, and upper GI bleeding 9."
"Most patients will present silently with no symptoms related to splenic vein thrombosis, although left-sided portal hypertension can occur 2,9, which can cause upper GI bleeding due to associated gastric varices 2-5. While presentation can also relate to abdominal pain secondary to splenomegaly 1, splenic vein thrombosis is more commonly diagnosed on imaging rather than by the clinical triad of splenomegaly, normal liver enzymes, and upper GI bleeding 9."
"history of pancreatitis with newly diagnosed GI bleeding"
"The appearance of the thrombus itself will be identical to that of a portal vein thrombosis or SMV thrombosis on CT, ultrasound and MRI 2. Both the liver and the spleen may appear normal 7."
"Splenectomy may also be indicated in patients with upper GI bleeding related to gastric varices 1,4,8. Doing so eliminates collateral venous return, thus decompressing varices 8. Isolated gastric varices secondary to splenic vein occlusion can be cured in 90% of cases, with a low incidence of recurrent bleeding 2."
Expected headings
"Fluoroscopy"
"Other contributing factors include trauma, malignancy, thrombocytosis, polycythaemia, coagulopathies, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and sepsis 1."
"The appearance of the thrombus itself will be identical to that of a portal vein thrombosis or SMV thrombosis on CT, ultrasound and MRI 2. Both the liver and the spleen may appear normal 7."