Splenic Vein Thrombosis with Oesophageal Varices

Abstract

On the basis of observations made on three infants, a description is given of a late complication of umbilical vein catheterization not hitherto reported. The children showed the symptoms of thrombosis of the splenic vein with secondary splenomegaly and marked gastric and/or esophageal varices, while the portal vein showed no abnormality. The diagnosis was preoperatively established by means of selective angiography of the superior mesenteric artery and the splenic artery. Treatment in these three cases consisted of splenectomy, with good clinical and radiological results.

Variceal Hemorrhage 13 Years After Nephrectomy For Wilms Tumor

“…However, children rarely have these problems. A review of the literature for the pediatric population shows only umbilical venous catheterization and total pancreatectomy for nesidioblastosis as reported etiologies for SVT with variceal hemorrhage (4,5). To the best of our knowledge, our patient represents the first reported case of SVT following nephrectomy for Wilms tumor.…”

“…Splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) results in left-sided portal hypertension, which leads to gastric or gastroesophageal varices and the consequent potential for massive hemorrhage (4,5). Surgical complications of nephrectomy for Wilms tumor include ligation or injury to major blood vessels, intestinal obstruction, injuries to other visceral organs including the spleen, pancreas, liver and intestine, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and pancreatitis (3).…”

Isolated splenic vein thrombosis

“…There are no reported complications of this type after percutaneous venous sampling. The 3 reported cases after umbilical vein catheterization illustrate that it can occur after only 24 hours of catheter use and with delayed side effects [33]. The authors suggest that the catheter initially causes a direct intimal lesion that is further predisposed to infection by decreased blood flow and the presence of a foreign body.…”