Mesenteric venous thrombosis

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Mesenteric venous thrombosis is a blood clot in the major veins that drain blood from the intestine.

Mesenteric venous thrombosis affects the mesenteric veins, one of two veins through which blood leaves the intestine. The condition interrupts blood supply to the intestine and can result in intestinal damage.

There are a variety of causes of mesenteric venous thrombosis. Many of the diseases that lead to this condition cause inflammation of the tissues surrounding the veins. The following conditions can lead to inflammation and mesenteric venous thrombosis:

• Pancreatitis
• Diverticulitis
• Appendicitis (less common)
• Liver disease with cirrhosis

Patients who have blood clotting disorders that make the blood more likely to stick together (clot) have a higher risk for mesenteric venous thrombosis.

Review Date: 07/14/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.