Transhepatic catheter-directed thrombectomy and thrombolysis of acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes after percutaneous treatment of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients with SMV thrombosis treated with percutaneous catheter-directed thrombectomy/thrombolysis. The demographics of the study population, potential causative factors contributing to SMV thrombosis, and morbidity and mortality associated with therapy were assessed. RESULTS: Eleven patients (mean age, 44.3 years ± 12.8) with SMV thrombosis were treated with percutaneous transhepatic catheter-directed thrombectomy/thrombolysis. Potential causative factors included recent major abdominal surgery, thrombophilic conditions, pancreatitis, and repetitive abdominal trauma. The mean duration between the onset of symptoms and percutaneous treatment was 8.6 days ± 6.5. Computed tomography confirmed the clinical diagnosis in nine patients (81.8%). One patient (9.1%) had a bleeding complication, which was treated by chest tube drainage without long-term sequelae. One patient (9.1%) with refractory SMV thrombosis died of sepsis and multiple organ failure. No recurrent episode of SMV thrombosis or mortality was documented during a mean follow-up of 42 months ± 22.5. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous transhepatic catheter-directed thrombectomy/ thrombolysis for SMV thrombosis is associated with a rapid improvement in symptoms and low incidences of long-term morbidity and mortality. Percutaneous thrombectomy and thrombolysis should be considered in all patients with acute SMV thrombosis without evidence of bowel necrosis.