PubMed · 1984 · 12 citations · 0 references
MedicineInternal MedicineSurgeryGastroenterologyGeneral SurgeryHepatologyGastric DiseasesGastrointestinal BleedingGastrointestinal EndoscopyGastrointestinal RadiologyGastrointestinal SurgeryPortal HypertensionBarium-based Contrast AgentsBleedingEsophageal Variceal HemorrhageGastric Variceal BleedingPortal Hypertensive BleedingSplenic HemorrhageSplenic Vein ThrombosisSplenomegaly In Portal Hypertension
Isolated bleeding gastric varices due to a spontaneous idiopathic thrombosis of the splenic vein was found to be the cause of obscure, painless recurrent bleeding in our patient. The diagnosis of spontaneous splenic vein thrombosis should be considered in the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding with unexplained splenomegaly. Prominent gastric folds may be the only barium contrast or endoscopic finding often lacking esophageal varices. Arteriography is essential in demonstrating an obstructed splenic vein. Splenectomy is the treatment of choice of "left-sided" portal hypertension.