464-177 | Usefulness of Ultrasonographic Superb Microvascular Imaging for Diagnosis and Management of Splenic Vein Thrombosis-JVU 464-177

JVU 464-177

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This article discusses a case study in which ultrasonographic Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) was used to diagnose and manage splenic vein thrombosis. A 68-year-old man with a history of coronary intervention and rheumatoid arthritis presented with exertional chest pain. Coronary angiography did not reveal any coronary artery stenosis, but contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) showed bilateral pulmonary emboli and bilateral deep venous thrombosis (DVT), including splenic vein thrombosis. The splenic vein thrombosis was poorly visualized on B-mode imaging but clearly depicted on SMI. The patient was treated with apixaban and follow-up examinations confirmed the disappearance of the thrombosis.<br /><br />The usefulness of ultrasonographic evaluation in portal vein thrombosis has been reported, but few studies have explored its application in splenic vein thrombosis. SMI is a new Doppler imaging technique that allows for better visualization of microvascularity and low-velocity blood flow. It can detect and display very slow blood flow signals in microvessels. In this case, SMI was able to reveal the splenic vein thrombosis that was not easily seen on conventional B-mode imaging.<br /><br />The authors suggest that ultrasonographic SMI can be used as a supportive and noninvasive imaging tool for diagnosing and monitoring splanchnic venous thrombosis, including splenic vein thrombosis. This technique provides more detailed information about flow distribution in the area of interest. The article also includes references to studies on portal vein thrombosis and splenic vein thrombosis, as well as the clinical application of ultrasonography with SMI.<br /><br />Informed consent was obtained from the patient before the publication of this case study, and the authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. They also received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Keywords

ultrasonographic Superb Microvascular Imaging

splenic vein thrombosis

coronary intervention

exertional chest pain

contrast-enhanced computed tomography

pulmonary emboli

deep venous thrombosis

SMI

apixaban

noninvasive imaging tool