Splenic and Portal Vein Thrombosis after Splenectomy: A Case Report

Portal and splenic vein thrombosis are uncommon, potentially fatal post-operative complications following splenectomy. These thrombotic events may be asymptomatic or present with non-specific symptoms. Therefore, imaging is important for diagnosis. The risk of thrombosis is linked to spleen size, pre-operative thrombocytopenia and surgical technique. We present the case of a 40-year-old man who underwent curative and diagnostic laparotomic splenectomy following chronic thrombocytopenia and concurrent splenomegaly who subsequently developed extensive portal and splenic vein thrombosis. Portal and splenic vein thrombosis after splenectomy is a relatively uncommon but important diagnosis in which radiology has a pivotal role.