Description

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, affecting a significant portion of the population. With approximately one-third of patients experiencing notable morbidity due to local or systemic complications, the severity of the disease is underscored by the presence of acute peripancreatic fluid collections, acute necrotic collections, pseudocysts, and walled-off necrosis1. Notably, vascular complications, such as splanchnic vein thrombosis, further contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality associated with acute pancreatitis2. Splanchnic vein thrombosis encompasses thromboses in the splenic (SpVT), portal (PVT), and superior mesenteric veins (SMVT), either individually or in combination3. These complications are often incidentally discovered during imaging procedures conducted to assess potential complications4. Despite most cases being asymptomatic, fatal complications, including bowel ischemia, liver failure, portal hypertension, and life-threatening bleeding, have been documented, with the risk of splanchnic vein thrombosis escalating with the severity of pancreatitis.

The intricate relationship between the pancreas and large mesenteric vessels, coupled with systemic inflammatory responses, hypovolemia, fluid shifts, and prothrombotic states, contributes to the development of splanchnic vein thrombosis in acute pancreatitis5. Early detection of these thrombotic events becomes imperative to mitigate long-term sequelae such as portal hypertension and chronic mesenteric ischemia6. Despite the critical importance of identifying splanchnic vein thrombosis in acute pancreatitis, there is a notable absence of standardized recommendations for initiating anticoagulation treatment in these cases5. The decision-making process is further complicated by the potential risk of bleeding associated with other vascular complications, such as bleeding into pseudocysts or pseudo-aneurysmal bleeds7. As a result, there is a pressing need for more comprehensive studies that delve into the risk factors, pathogenesis, therapeutic impacts, and outcome predictors associated with splanchnic vein thrombosis in the context of acute pancreatitis. These investigations will not only enhance our understanding of the condition but also inform the development of evidence-based guidelines for the management of splanchnic vein thrombosis in individuals with acute pancreatitis.