[Pylephlebitis in the child: a challenging diagnosis]

Abstract

Pylephlebitis or septic thrombophlebitis of the portomesenteric veins is a complication of intra-abdominal infections. The disease is rare in children and the diagnosis is often delayed. The morbidity of pylephlebitis is relatively low, although there is a risk of residual thrombosis. We report on 2 cases of pylephlebitis in a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy, following undiagnosed appendicitis. In the 1st case, the young girl had been misdiagnosed with Salmonella infection and was given antibiotics; in the 2nd case, the boy had retrocecal appendicitis that was clinically subacute. An accurate diagnosis was finally made in both cases by CT scan. Both children evolved satisfactorily following appendectomy, long-term antibiotics, and anticoagulation. Clinically, the severe sepsis associated with pylephlebitis is at the forefront. Physical examination is often normal and therefore of little help; the knowledge of a preceding abdominal infection leads to further radiological investigations. Biologically, there are pronounced signs of infection. CT is the preferred exam for diagnosing pylephlebitis, as it can also show the underlying cause of the intra-abdominal sepsis or possible complications. Doppler sonography is recommended more for follow-up of the portal vein thrombosis. Treatment of pylephlebitis associated with appendicitis always includes long-term antibiotics. An appendectomy is always performed either at the time of diagnosis or later. The need for anticoagulation therapy in children is controversial. However, most pediatricians recommend its use, beginning as soon as possible, to be continued until normalization of portal vein flow.