[Splanchnic venous thrombosis: A monocentric study of 31 cases].

INTRODUCTION

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) denotes thrombosis of the hepatic venous system and of the extrahepatic portal system. They are often the manifestation of one or more underlying prothrombotic states and can sometimes present problems of therapeutic care.

METHODS

We report a monocentric study of 31 cases of SVT observed in an internal medicine department between January 2006 and June 2012. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic and outcome data were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was a slight female predominance (sex-ratio: 1.2). Median patient age at diagnosis was 37 years. Most cases of SVT were chronic (61.2%). Abdominal pain was the predominant symptom in acute cases while the predominant signs in chronic forms were signs of portal hypertension. Extrasplanchnic thrombosis was noted in seven patients (22.5%). Behçet's disease was the most common etiology (32%). The treatment was based on anticoagulants and corticosteroids and immunosuppressants when an inflammatory etiology was found. The average follow-up was 17 months. There were five deaths (16%).

CONCLUSION

SVT often reflects the existence of a disease and/or an underlying prothrombotic state that should be identified to adapt the treatment and to avoid fatal complications.