Mesenteric venous thrombosis precipitated by foodborne gastrointestinal illness

Abstract

Foodborne illnesses are common and are usually considered as part of the differential diagnosis when a patient presents with gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever. The majority of foodborne illness is transient and self-limited, while life threatening complications are rare. Here, we describe a case of a patient presenting with inflammatory diarrhea after consumption of undercooked seafood. She developed mesenteric and portal venous thrombosis and small bowel infarction requiring surgical intervention and resection of gangrenous small bowel. This is a rare presentation and outcome of common food poisoning. The case report is followed by a brief discussion of common foodborne illnesses and mesenteric venous thrombosis.