There are a variety of causes of mesenteric venous thrombosis. Many of the disease processes that lead to this condition cause inflammation of the tissues through which the mesenteric veins run. Such inflammation damages the mesenteric veins and predisposes them to clot formation (thrombosis).
Pancreatitis, diverticulitis, and less commonly appendicitis can all lead to inflammation and mesenteric venous thrombosis. Liver disease with cirrhosis is also associated with mesenteric venous thrombosis. Patients with "hypercoagulable states," in which the blood is more likely to clot, are also at risk for mesenteric venous thrombosis. Such hypercoagulable states can be inherited or associated with cancer or pregnancy.
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