Adhesive pylephlebitis is a medical condition that affects the hepatic portal vein. It is caused by the adherence of surrounding organs, such as the pancreas or colon, to the vein. The word "adhesive" is spelled with the "ad" sound represented by the IPA phoneme /æd/ and the "sive" sound represented by /sɪv/. "Pylephlebitis" is spelled with the "pyl" sound represented by /paɪl/, the "eph" sound represented by /ɛf/, the "leb" sound represented by /lɛb/, and the "itis" sound represented by /aɪtɪs/. Together, the spelling reflects the medical condition's causes and symptoms.
Adhesive pylephlebitis, also known as portal vein thrombosis, is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and formation of blood clots within the portal vein, which is responsible for carrying blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. It is a rare and serious condition that can lead to significant complications if left untreated.
The term "adhesive pylephlebitis" specifically refers to the adhesion or sticking of the thrombus (blood clot) to the walls of the portal vein. This adhesion occurs due to the inflammatory process, leading to the formation of scar tissue and subsequent obstruction of the blood flow. As a result, blood flow through the liver becomes compromised, leading to liver dysfunction and potential liver abscess formation.
The most common cause of adhesive pylephlebitis is infection, particularly abdominal infections such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, or intra-abdominal abscesses. Other causes include inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and sepsis. Symptoms of adhesive pylephlebitis may include abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, enlarged liver or spleen, and signs of sepsis.
Diagnosis of adhesive pylephlebitis typically involves imaging studies such as a Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can reveal the presence of blood clots within the portal vein. Treatment commonly involves antibiotics to control the infection, anticoagulant therapy to prevent further blood clot formation, and supportive care to manage any associated complications, such as liver abscesses.
In conclusion, adhesive pylephlebitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation and clotting of the portal vein, often due to an underlying infection.
Inflammation of the portal vein or its branches, leading to thrombosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "adhesive pylephlebitis" is a medical term that combines two words: "adhesive" and "pylephlebitis".
1. "Adhesive" originates from the Latin term "adhaesivus", which comes from the verb "adhaerere" meaning "to stick". It refers to something that has the property or ability to stick to a surface. In the context of medicine, an adhesive substance is used to bond or attach materials together, such as in wound dressings or surgical procedures.
2. "Pylephlebitis" is also derived from Latin and Greek roots. The word "pyle" comes from the Greek term "pule", meaning "gate" or "portal". In medical terminology, the "portal vein" (vena portae) refers to the blood vessel that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver.