The Need to Anticoagulate Patients With Splenic Vein Thrombosis

Splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a well-recognized complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis. It is associated with complications of significant gastrointestinal bleeding and high morbidity if the thrombus propagates. There is a need to consider several factors in choosing whether to anticoagulate the patient. We report a case of SVT in a patient with a previous history of pancreatitis who presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting to the hospital. At the hospital, a CT scan revealed SVT. This case highlights the importance of undergoing further studies regarding anticoagulation for treating SVT in patients at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding.