DOI: 10.21276/sasjs.2018.4.10.12

Pages: 221-223

Pylephlebitis defined as suppurative thrombosis of the portal vein often associated with bacteremia, is a rare and serious complication of intra-abdominal infections. Acute appendicitis and pancreatitis are the most frequently identified surgical causes of portal vein thrombosis. An abdominal CT scan allows for early diagnosis and identification of the responsible septic source. Treatment should include a combination of antibiotics and anticoagulants. Surgical treatment of the responsible infectious site should be carried out without delay. The veins adjacent to the infection are the first to be involved with later spread to the portal vein and possibly the mesenteric veins can lead to bowel necrosis and increased morbidity and mortality.