Splenic and portal venous thrombosis: a vascular complication of pancreatic disease demonstrated on computed tomography

Abstract

Portal and splenic venous thrombosis is a rare but well recognised complication of pancreatic carcinoma and pancreatitis. We report a series of five patients with pancreatic disease in whom CT detected this complication. The appearances on CT are of an enlarged vein with a centre of lower attenuation which does not enhance following intravenous contrast injection, ring enhancement and opacification of collateral veins. Splenic vein thrombosis following pancreatitis should be considered in all patients with pancreatic disease as this complication is increasingly recognised as a cause of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage from varices.