Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis due to protein C deficiency successfully treated with anticoagulant therapy

Abstract

We herein report a case of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis due to protein C (PC) deficiency successfully treated with anticoagulant therapy, that is, a combination of heparin and antithrombin (AT) formulation. A 46-year-old man was brought to our hospital with the chief complaint of abdominal pain for the past 6 days. Abdominal contrast computed tomography revealed a thrombus extending from the SMV to the portal vein, an edema in the small intestinal wall, and ascites. However, the intestinal blood flow was preserved. Based on the laboratory examination results that showed a reduction in PC activity, the patient was diagnosed with SMV thrombosis due to PC deficiency. Anticoagulant therapy, comprising of a combination of heparin and AT formulation, was administered under careful monitoring in the intensive care unit. The symptoms and laboratory findings improved with the regressing thrombus. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 22nd day after admission. Therefore, anticoagulant therapy with a combination of heparin and AT formulation could be used as a treatment for SMV thrombosis due to PC deficiency.