Superior Mesenteric Vein (SMV) thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in the superior mesenteric vein. This blood clot hampers blood flow among the different organs in the abdomen and can lead to massive bowel gangrene. SMV thrombosis can be fatal without prompt diagnosis and treatment.
It is also referred to as “ mesenteric venous thrombosis ” — a more general term that refers to a blood clot in the superior mesenteric vein, inferior mesenteric vein, or any of their branches. However, about 95% of the time, the clot forms specifically in the superior mesenteric vein. Mesenteric venous thrombosis can present as: Acute Subacute Chronic