Differential Diagnosis for Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombus
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Portal vein thrombosis: This is a common cause of superior mesenteric vein thrombus, often due to extension of the thrombus from the portal vein.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hypercoagulable state (e.g., factor V Leiden, protein C or S deficiency): These conditions increase the risk of blood clots forming in the superior mesenteric vein.
- Malignancy (e.g., pancreatic cancer): Tumors can compress or invade the superior mesenteric vein, leading to thrombosis.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease): Chronic inflammation can increase the risk of thrombosis in the superior mesenteric vein.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Mesenteric ischemia: This is a life-threatening condition that can occur if the thrombus obstructs blood flow to the intestines, leading to tissue death.
- Septic thrombophlebitis: Infection of the thrombus can lead to sepsis and is a medical emergency.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Congenital anomalies of the superior mesenteric vein: Abnormalities in the vein's structure can increase the risk of thrombosis.
- Trauma: Direct injury to the superior mesenteric vein can cause thrombosis.
- Vasculitis (e.g., polyarteritis nodosa): Inflammation of the blood vessel walls can increase the risk of thrombosis in the superior mesenteric vein.