Drug‐related: A case of idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis combined with calcification of the esophageal veins

Abstract

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) is characterized by mesenteric vein calcification and ischemic bowel disease. We describe a unique clinical case of IMP in a patient with a history of oral administration of various drugs, including traditional Chinese medicines (mainly selfheal), vitamin D, and calcium supplements. The disease was not diagnosed in its early stages and was later detected because of the initial symptoms of chest tightness and difficulties in swallowing. During medical examination, esophageal venous sinuses were found through gastroscopy, and CT revealed thickening and widespread calcification of the colonic wall (esophageal wall calcification). Moreover, typical purple‐brown changes in the colonic mucosa were found during colonoscopy. Microscopic examination showed more foam phagocyte, focal lymphocyte aggregation, small‐vessel proliferation, and surrounding collagen‐like deposition which is a typical finding of IMP. More specifically, the patient's mesenteric veins and colon veins were calcified, and the calcification extended to the esophageal veins. These findings were related to long‐term use of traditional Chinese medicines (mainly selfheal). It is possible that excessive intake vitamin D and calcium supplementation may have played a role in the occurrence of vascular calcification, which might have exacerbated the progression of IMP disease.