Management of acute portomesenteric venous thrombosis induced by protein S deficiency: report of a case

Hereditary protein S deficiency is a risk factor which may predispose patients to venous thrombosis. Deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities can result in painful congestion, while the presence of mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) can cause abdominal emergencies. We herein report a protein S-deficient patient presenting with acute portomesenteric venous thrombosis. Early management using anticoagulant therapy was initially successful. However, the subsequent bowel stricture resulting from the ischemic insult was further managed with a surgical bypass. The patient was kept on long-term thrombophylaxis. The treatment strategy for MVT with bowel ischemia has evolved from aggressive portomesenteric thrombectomy with resection of the involved bowel, to conservative anticoagulation to recanalize thrombotic mesenteric veins with bowel preservation. Surgical intervention is reserved for transmural necrosis or bowel perforation. The perioperative thrombophylaxis of inherited thrombophilic patients is also important for preventing further thromboembolic events.