A case of portal vein thrombosis after laparoscopy-assisted splenectomy and cholecystectomy in a child

J Pediatr Surg. 2007 Aug;42(8):1449-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2007.03.052.

Abstract

We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with a red cell membrane disorder who developed, soon after undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and splenectomy, complete thrombosis of the right branch and a partial occlusion of the left branch of the portal vein. The child was affected by a right hemiparesis because of a hypoxic-ischemic disorder that occurred in the first hours of life and was heterozygous for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation 677C-T. Intravenous heparin and aspirin were initiated on postoperative day 7. Heparin treatment was switched to the subcutaneous route after the first 24 hours. The symptoms subsided 3 days after the beginning of treatment, whereas complete resolution of portal vein thrombosis was observed 2 months later. A review of the literature is reported, and the possible pathogenetic mechanisms underlying portal vein thrombosis are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital / surgery*
  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage*
  • Aspirin / administration & dosage
  • Child
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / adverse effects*
  • Heparin / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy
  • Male
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / genetics
  • Mutation
  • Portal Vein*
  • Splenectomy / adverse effects*
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Venous Thrombosis / therapy

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
  • Aspirin