Blood clots are tiny clumps of blood that form a gel-like substance. A certain amount of blood clotting in our bodies is needed to ensure we don’t excessively bleed and can heal properly.
However, clots that don’t naturally dissolve have the potential to be dangerous. This is because they can break away and travel to vital organs in the body.
In some cases they can cause heart attacks, strokes or pulmonary embolisms. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of any warning signs.
The most common type of a blood clot is known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. This type of clot forms in deep veins, often in the leg or the arm.
Symptoms of this can include pain, throbbing or redness in the affected area. But blood clots can form in other, less obvious, parts of the body.
Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (SMV thrombosis) is the formation of a blood clot in your superior mesenteric vein.
This blood vessel carries blood away from your small intestine towards your liver.
The Cleveland Clinic explains: “The blood clot disrupts normal blood flow among the different organs in your belly.
“In some cases, your organs can’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood to function and their tissues begin to die.
“This organ damage can quickly affect your whole body. SMV thrombosis can be fatal without prompt diagnosis and treatment.
“Another term for SMV thrombosis is mesenteric venous thrombosis.
“This is a more general term that refers to a blood clot in your superior mesenteric vein, inferior mesenteric vein or any of their branches.
“But about 95 percent of the time, the clot forms in the superior mesenteric vein. So, people often use the terms interchangeably.”
Due to the location of the clot, one of the tell-tale signs can appear when you go to the toilet.
You might notice blood in your poo. This could be red or black in colour.
Other potential symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting, with blood in your vomit
- Bloated stomach
- Swelling (oedema) in your legs and feet
- Mental confusion.
“Mesenteric venous thrombosis symptoms vary widely,” the clinic says. “Some people have no symptoms.
“This is often the case with chronic thrombosis. However, acute thrombosis can cause sudden and severe cramping in your belly.
“With the subacute form, vague belly pain may come and go over several days or weeks.”
If you develop new or worsening pain in your belly, it’s “important” to see a doctor as soon as possible.
SMV thrombosis that isn’t treated could result in blood supply to your digestive organs being cut off, causing tissue to die.
In extreme cases this can lead to sepsis and organ failure.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, your risk of SMV thrombosis is increased if you have:
- Inherited or acquired blood clotting disorders, including those caused by some medications
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Cirrhosis (liver disease)
- Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Heart failure
- An enlarged spleen
- A large abdominal tumour or mass
- Some viral infections, including COVID-19.
