Superior mesenteric vein

In anatomy, the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is a blood vessel that drains blood from the small intestine (jejunum and ileum). At its termination behind the neck of the pancreas, the SMV combines with the splenic vein to form the hepatic portal vein. The SMV lies to the right of the similarly named artery, the superior mesenteric artery, which originates from the abdominal aorta.

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Branches

Tributaries of the superior mesenteric vein drain the large intestine, stomach, pancreas and appendix and include:

• Right gastro-omental vein (also known as the right gastro-epiploic vein)
• inferior pancreaticoduodenal veins
• veins from jejunum
• veins from ileum
• middle colic vein - drains the transverse colon
• right colic vein - drains the ascending colon
• ileocolic vein

Disorders

Thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein is quite rare, but a significant cause of mesenteric ischemia and can be fatal. It is estimated that 10-15% of mesenteric ischemia is due to mesenteric thrombosis.^[1]

References

1. ^ Tessier DJ, Williams RA, Mesenteric ischemic thrombosis, eMedicine, URL: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2753.htm, Accessed July 30, 2005.