Huge Varicose Inferior Mesenteric Vein: an Unanticipated (99m) Tc-labeled Red Blood Cell Scintigraphy Finding.

ABSTRACT

Ectopic varices (EcV) are enlarged portosystemic venous collaterals, which usually develop secondary to portal hypertension (PHT). Mesocaval collateral vessels are unusual pathways to decompress the portal system. Here we report the case of a huge varicose inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) that drained into perirectal collateral veins, demonstrated by (99m)Tc-labeled red blood cell (RBC) scintigraphy performed for lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in a 14-year-old girl. This case illustrates the crucial role of (99m)Tc-labeled RBC scintigraphy for the diagnosis of rare ectopic lower GI varices.