Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis Masquerading as Small Bowel Obstruction

Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is an uncommon, but increasingly recognized, cause of intestinal ischemia. Presenting signs and symptoms are nonspecific, and diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. We present the case of a 33-year-old woman who was transferred to our hospital for the management of a jejunal bezoar resulting in small bowel obstruction. She was found to have MVT that was complicated by intestinal infarction and perforation. This case emphasizes the need to consider MVT in the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction, as earlier diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve outcomes.