OBJECTIVETo study the clinical and pathologic features of ischemic intestinal disease due to mesenteric phlebitis.

METHODThe clinical and pathologic features of the mesenteric venous lesions in 3 patients of ischemic intestinal disease admitted during the period from 2003 to 2004 were studied.

RESULTSAll 3 patients had a clinical history of acute abdominal pain accompanying with a diffuse peritonitis. During operation, an infarcted intestinal segment was identified and was resected respectively in each patient. Histologic examination showed a lymphocytic infiltration and fibrinoid necrosis of the small to medium-sized veins, associated with mural thrombosis and infarction of the corresponding intestinal wall and mesentery. The mesenteric arteries were spared. Two-year follow up of one case showed no evidence of local recurrence or systemic vasculitis.

CONCLUSIONSIschemic intestinal disease due to mesenteric phlebitis is a rare entity with a pathological feature of inflammation of venous wall accompanying with the development of mural thrombosis and subsequent haemorrhagic infarction of intestine. The etiology is unknown and surgical resection of the involved intestinal segment is usually recommended.