Splenic vein thrombosis with bleeding gastroesophageal varices. Reports of two splenectomized cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Two cases of bleeding gastroesophageal varices due to isolated splenic vein thrombosis are reported. The patients were aged 51 and 50 years. The respective etiologies were pancreatic pseudocyst and previous gastric surgery. The diagnosis was confirmed prior to splenectomy by splenoportography. There was no recurrence of bleeding during 2 and 5 years of observation. The 49 cases of splenic vein thrombosis published since 1970 are briefly reviewed and their treatment is discussed.