The natural history of splenic vein thrombosis due to chronic pancreatitis: indications for surgery.

摘要: Eleven patients with angiographically demonstrated splenic vein thrombosis associated chronic pancreatitis were followed for an average of 6.5 yr to determine the natural history this condition. Repeat angiography was performed in five patients. Significant gastric or gastroesophageal varices noted six cases. In another patient, peri-colonic and spleno-portal collaterals demonstrated. Two bled massively during follow-up; one from colonic varices. Another known varices, intermittent hematochezia iron deficiency anemia, underwent surgery. All three responded well splenectomy. Since seven significant eventually required surgical correction, it may be that long-term risk gastrointestinal bleeding exceeds risks elective splenectomy these