Background: Acute appendicitis with mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is an uncommon condition and usually lacks specific clinical manifestations, which leads to a high rate of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, especially when it is accompanied by other abdominal diseases. Prompt and accurate recognition is vital for treatment and prognosis.
Case summary: A 37-year-old woman had a history of acute metastatic right lower abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed a filling defect in the mesenteric vessels. The patient was diagnosed with acute appendicitis complicated by MVT and was treated with anticoagulation and intravenous antibiotics. The follow-up CT scan showed full resolution of the thrombosis and inflammation.
Conclusion: Clinical awareness is essential for recognizing MVT, especially when it is accompanied by other common acute abdominal diseases, such as acute appendicitis. Contrast-enhanced CT is helpful for the diagnosis of MVT and is recommended for patients with acute abdominal diseases.
Keywords: Acute abdominal diseases; Acute appendicitis; Case report; Contrast-enhanced computed tomography; Ischemic bowel disease; Mesenteric vein thrombosis.
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