Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) with sepsis and death: a case study

Abstract

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) is a rare clinical manifestation of ischemic enteropathy. There are no specific manifestations in the early stages. Digestive symptoms only present in the advanced stage. Diagnosis relies on extensive calcification of the mesenteric venule and extensive intestinal wall thickening via computed tomography (CT) scanning. A 50 years old Chinese woman who had taken herbal medicine for three years was diagnosed with IMP. All treatment after admission was in vain and she died 30 days thereafter. Therefore, when a patient with long-term oral intake of herbal medicine, which contains geniposde, presents with unknown ischemia, abdominal pain, mucinous stools, bloody stools, attention should be paid to screen IMP.