Effectiveness of combined anticoagulant therapy for extending portal vein thrombosis in Crohn's disease. Report of a case.

PURPOSE: Portal vein thrombosis is a rare complication of Crohn's disease, and its precise cause and appropriate treatment are not known. We describe a patient with extending portal vein thrombosis in Crohn's disease who was successfully treated with combined anticoagulant therapy.

METHOD: Urokinase and tissue plasminogen activator were administered from a catheter inserted into the superior mesenteric artery, and heparin and a serine protease inhibitor also were given intravenously.

RESULTS

On admission, thromboembolic occlusion was observed throughout the entire portal venous system in association with massive ascites and remarkable intestinal edema. After administration of combined anticoagulant therapy, thrombus rapidly decreased in size, and color Doppler ultrasonography showed a gradual increase in portal venous flow. The patient had no recurrence of symptoms while receiving warfarin after resolution of thrombus.

CONCLUSION

This case report suggests that combined anticoagulant therapy is effective for patients with severe portal vein thrombosis in Crohn's disease and that color Doppler ultrasonography is useful for evaluation of portal venous flow.