Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Secondary to Varices of the Superior Mesenteric Venous System

Varices of the superior mesenteric vein were demonstrated angiographically in 2 patients with portal hypertension and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Such a collateral route between the superior mesenteric vein and the inferior vena cava via the right ovarian vein has been described in occlusion of the inferior vena cava but not in portal hypertension. The importance of visualizing the entire superior mesenteric venous drainage in patients with portal hypertension and lower gastrointestinal bleeding is emphasized.