We present a case of portal and superior mesenteric venous gas in a 31-year-old diabetic woman with a left-sided retroperitoneal abscess. Five years prior to admission, patient was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and developed emphysematous pyelonephritis, requiring nephrectomy on the left side. A CT examination showed air distributed throughout the portal venous system and superior mesenteric vein.
Abscess/blood/*radiography ; Adult ; Female ; Gases/blood ; Humans ; Mesenteric Veins/metabolism/*radiography ; Portal Vein/metabolism/*radiography ; Retroperitoneal Space ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) has been considered a rare entity associated with a poor prognosis. Portal vein gas is most commonly caused by mesenteric ischemia but may have a variety other causes. HPVG can be associated with ischemic bowel disease, inflammatory bowel disease, intra-abdominal abscess, small bowel obstruction, acute pancreatitis, and gastric ulcer. Because of high mortality rate, most HPVG requires emergent surgical interventions and intensive medical management. We experienced a case of hepatic portal venous gas caused by acute pancreatitis and successfully treated with medical management.
Acute Disease ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Gases/metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatitis/*diagnosis/drug therapy/radiography ; Portal Vein/radiography ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vascular Diseases/*diagnosis/drug therapy/radiography