Pylephlebitis due to perforated appendicitis in a teenager

Pylephlebitis, a septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein, is a life-threatening complication of intraabdominal infections, commonly associated with acute appendicitis in children, and diverticulitis in adults. A 13-year-old boy was admitted for high fever and jaundice. On the fifth day of hospitalization, ultrasound Doppler flow and Computer Tomography scan studies showed thrombosis of the portal vein and acute appendicitis. The patient was treated with antibiotics, anticoagulation and laparotomy with appendectomy. No thrombophilic risk factors were diagnosed. Our aim is to improve physicians’ awareness of this complication and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate therapy in children in order to reduce serious complications and long-term sequels.