Portal venous gas as a radiological sign in a sigmoid diverticular abscess and its non-surgical management: a case report

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2020 Sep;102(7):e173-e175. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2020.0089. Epub 2020 May 6.

Abstract

A 62-year old man who presented unwell with no specific symptoms or signs was found to have portal venous circulation gas complicating a small diverticular abscess. He was successfully managed with a course of antibiotics and had full resolution of symptoms, therefore avoiding the need for surgical intervention. While most commonly associated with bowel ischaemia and therefore often warranting emergency laparotomy, portal venous gas within the context of other underlying pathology often presents opportunities for delayed surgery or more conservative management options.

Keywords: Diverticular abscess; Diverticular disease; Portal venous gas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Abscess / etiology
  • Abscess / therapy*
  • Colon, Sigmoid*
  • Conservative Treatment / methods*
  • Diverticulum, Colon / complications*
  • Diverticulum, Colon / diagnosis
  • Diverticulum, Colon / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Portal Vein / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*