Spontaneous Acute Mesenteric Thrombosis in a Patient With Hemoglobin E Thalassemia

Acute mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is an uncommon cause of mesenteric ischemia and portal hypertension. The common risk factors for the development of MVT include surgery, acute-intraabdominal inflammatory disorders, malignancies, and other prothrombotic states. However, MVT can occur in the absence of these risk factors. We describe the case of a 40-year-old man with a new diagnosis of hemoglobin E thalassemia and MVT and discuss the relationship between the hemoglobinopathy and thrombosis based on evidence from existing literature. The case emphasizes the importance of a high index of suspicion in the diagnosis of MVT in other to reduce complications and improve overall outcomes.