LAUSR

Mesenteric phlebosclerosis is an idiopathic condition first described by the Japanese pathologist Iwashita and colleagues in 1997. It is characterized by diffuse calcifications and occlusion of the large bowel venous supply resulting in ischaemic colitis [1]. The radiological hallmark is extensive venous calcifications along the large bowel wall and mesentery. The right-sided colon is preferentially involved. These calcifications typically have a fine ‘thread like’ appearance, reminiscent of other natural threads (Fig. 1) [2, 3]. Although detectable on abdominal radiograph (Fig. 2), they are more readily appreciated on computed tomography (Fig. 3). Patients typically present with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and ileus. Often the diagnosis is first suspected on imaging. Radiologists should be aware of the condition as symptoms can be severe in some patients and necessitate colectomy [1].