“Enterocolic phlebitis” mimicking a primary tumor of the cecum – A rare presentation of an unusual entity

Abstract

Intestinal vasculitis is an infrequent entity in the absence of systemic vasculitis or chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The primary involvement of gut restricted to mesenteric venous territory is exceedingly rare. We report a pseudotumoural lesion of the cecum caused by localized phlebitis and venulitis associated with thrombosis, with a putative immune etiology, in a young adult presenting with obstructive intestinal crisis.

Enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis: an oncologic surgical resection without a preoperative pathologic diagnosis

“…No pathognomonic features are present on ultrasound or CT imaging. Presentation of ELP with a tumour-like mass is rare but has been described [3]. Also in this case the tumorous mass was highly suggestive for malignancy.…”

“…Clinical presentation can range from long-standing abdominal complaints with a sudden (sub)acute worsening of complaints [3] to presentation with an acute abdomen [4]. Histological features can range from a granulomatous phlebitis, a necrotizing phlebitis to myointimal and endothelial hyperplasia often accompanied by venous thrombi [5].…”

“…Aetiology and pathophysiology are unknown but a possible relation with a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction has been postulated [3, 4]. In concordance with this some medication have been related to ELP, e.g.…”