Non-traumatic rupture of the superior mesenteric vein with hemoretroperitoneum

Summary A case of rupture of the superior mesenteric vein with hemoretroperitoneum is described. The autopsy revealed the presence of an acute pancreatitis and thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery. From the histological findings it appeared that the acute pancreatitis had damaged the venous wall from the outside and that the portal system overload, caused by the superior mesenteric artery thrombosis and the anomalous termination of the inferior mesenteric vein, acted from the inside of the vein causing its rupture. To our knowledge this is the first report of a rupture of the superior mesenteric vein caused by acute pancreatitis and resulting in hemoretroperitoneum.