A CASE OF PHLEBOSCLEROTIC ENTERITIS

Abstract

Phlebosclerotic enteritis is a rare disorder. The cause and pathogenesis still remain unknown. A 68-year-old woman was hospitalized because of chronic diarrhea and lower abdominal pain. Laboratory data were as follows : AST 55IU/1, ALT 451U/1, HCV RNA PCR 214.0 kIU/ml, RAPA×640, ANA×40. This data suggested chronic liver disease and immunological deficiency. A plain radiograph and CT of the abdomen demonstrated fine linear calcification of the right abdomen. Colonoscopy disclosed dark bluish purple mucosa with erosion, converging fold and inflam-matory polyps in the right sided colon. Biopsy specimens from the abnormal colonic mucosa demonstrated non specific coitis. A diagnosis of phlebosclerotic enteritis localized to the right colon was made. The patient was treated with anti-thrombotic agent. Thereafter, diarrhea and abdominal pain disappeared with complete remission, and thus avoided unnecessary surgery.