Postpartum mesenteric, splenic and portal vein thrombosis

Normal pregnancy induces major changes both in the clotting and the fibrinolytic system. The concentration of fibrinogen and several cloning factors (I, II, VII, VIII, IX and XII) as well as the activity of tPA inhibitor are increased, whereas tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) decreases (Bremme 2003). Because of these changes, pregnancy and the puerperium constitute significant risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and are associated with a 10-fold increase of the relevant risk compared with non-pregnant women. Here, Rousso et al present a case report of a 35-year-old woman whose first pregnancy was being followed in the obstetric antenatal clinic.