Septic thrombosis of the portal vein due to peripancreatic ligamental abscess

Septic thrombus formation of both the main portal vein and its intrahepatic Drenches were observed on CT in a patient with peripancreatic abscess. The septic thrombosis of portal vein (STPV) extended from the level of porta h epatis into the intrahepatic branches, but the portal vein and superior mes enteric vein at the level of pancreatic head were preserved with no evidenc e of thrombosis angiographically. The gas-containing abscess near the head of the pancreas extended toward the hepatic hilum and surrounded the portal vein and its branches on CT. It was concluded that these thrombi of portal vein branches at porta hepatis and intrahepatic branches were caused by ex tensions of peripancreatic abscess via the hepatoduodenal ligament and liga mentum teres. Computed tomography was useful in depicting the ligamentous s pread of peripancreatic abscess resulting in STPV.