Mesenteric inflammatory veno-occlusive disease: a rare cause of intestinal ischemia. The first description of recurrent disease.

BACKGROUND

Mesenteric inflammatory veno-occlusive disease (MIVOD) is a rare cause of intestinal ischemia of unknown etiology. Histologically, MIVOD is characterized by extended thrombophlebitis and fibrous organized thrombosis of multiple veins. The arteries are by definition not involved. Management includes surgery in all cases described. Recurrence has not been described until now.

METHODS

We describe the case of a 64-year-old woman operated with the suspicion of intestinal ischemia. Clinical and histopathological characteristics are reported.

RESULTS

The patient underwent a right hemicolectomy and segmental resection of the terminal ileum 15 months later for a recurrence. The histological examination of the resected specimen confirmed the diagnosis of MIVOD and a recurrence thereof.

CONCLUSION

MIVOD is a rare cause of colonic ischemia. Recurrence of the disease, which is described here for the first time, is unusual after surgical resection.