Severe ischaemic colitis secondary to microvenular thrombosis in a hypercoagulable patient

Abstract

A young patient with multifactorial prothrombotic risk factors presented with signs and symptoms of ischaemic colitis, without evidence of bowel hypoperfusion on imaging. She deteriorated with trial of conservative management and required operative management. Intraoperative findings demonstrated severe, confluent large bowel necrosis, sparing the rectum. A total colectomy was performed, with return to intensive care unit due to intraoperative hemodynamic instability. A return to theatre the following day allowed for formation of ileostomy and definitive closure. Histopathological findings of microvenular thrombosis were confirmed. Venous causes of ischaemic colitis present diagnostic challenges due to variable presentation and imaging findings. Microvascular venous thrombosis is likely secondary to multifactorial prothrombotic risk factors including positive autoantibodies and variable compliance with warfarin therapy for aortic value replacement. We present this case of ischemic colitis secondary to an unusual aetiology to emphasize the need to remain clinically suspicious of severe abdominal pain despite relatively benign imaging findings.