Right Portal Vein Thrombosis After Splenectomy for Trauma

Portal vein thrombosis may complicate splenectomy in patients with hemolytic anemia and myeloproliferative disease, whereas the frequency of portal vein thrombosis in case of trauma is not defined. A case of right portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy for trauma is reported in this paper. Hematologic workup did not reveal an underlying platelet or coagulation disorder. The patient was promptly anticoagulated with complete recanalization of the portal vein. We conclude that mild symptoms, like abdominal pain and fever, after splenectomy should be investigated with a color Doppler ultrasonography to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of portal thrombosis and to anticoagulate the patient with thrombosis, thus preventing bowel infarction and secondary portal hypertension. Routine postoperative color Doppler might also be justified in all postsplenectomy patients (without hematologic diseases) for early detection of a portal vein thrombosis.