A rare case: Isolated superior mesenteric vein injury occurring after blunt abdominal trauma

Abstract

Intraabdominal vascular injuries due to blunt abdominal trauma are rare. It is very difficult to visualize superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and portal vein injuries under emergency conditions. In this case study, we reported a low-speed car accident, a patient with isolated SMV injury as a result of a blunt abdominal trauma that arose from a collision with a steering wheel. A 62-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with minimal distention and diffuse tenderness in the abdomen. The presence of diffuse fluid in the abdomen and suspected liver injury were reported in ultrasonography. The presence of fluid in perihepatic and perisplenic areas was detected in abdominal tomography. No solid organ injury was observed. Laparotomy revealed an injury in the small intestine mesentery.There was a defect on SMV under splenic vein combination. End side vein anastomosis and primary repair were performed. During six months follow-up, the patient did not have active complaints, and there was no pathology in the SMV and portal vein.We think that the use of vascular repair techniques applied by experienced surgeons in hemodynamically stable superior mesenteric venous injuries is important concerning continuity of anatomical and functional integrity. © 2020 Turkish Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery.