Gastric variceal bleeding due to pancreatitis-induced splenic vein thrombosis

Antonio Gotto, Michael Lieberman, Mark Pochapin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is a common clinical scenario. In the upper gastrointestinal tract, gastric varices can be frequently overlooked on endoscopy, particularly if not suspected or volume depleted. We report a case of suspected gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient with a childhood history of pancreatitis, who also experienced severe epigastric pain while in hospital. After transfer to an academic medical centre, the presence of gastric varices was identified and presumed to be due to splenic vein thrombosis. Pancreatitis is the most common cause of splenic vein thrombosis and accords with the patient's history, even though it occurred many years previously. This case highlights the importance of recognising pancreatitis-induced splenic vein thrombosis as a possible aetiology for upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number201359
JournalBMJ Case Reports
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 24 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Gastric variceal bleeding due to pancreatitis-induced splenic vein thrombosis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this