LAUSR

Background/aim Mesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare lethal disease. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists in mesenteric venous thrombosis patients. Methods Retrospective study of 102 mesenteric venous thrombosis patients treated between 2004 and 2017 at a center with a conservative medical first approach. Median clinical follow-up was 4 years. Results Computed tomography showed successful recanalization of thrombosis in 71% of patients on vitamin K antagonists and 69% of patients on direct oral anticoagulants (p = 0.88). Overall major and esophageal variceal bleeding rate was 14.7% and 2.9%, respectively. No difference in major bleeding (p = 0.54) was found between vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants. No mesenteric venous thrombosis recurrence occurred during follow-up, and one venous thromboembolism occurred after cessation of anticoagulation. Conclusion Anticoagulation with direct oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists was efficient in patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis. Bleeding complications was a concern during treatment in both groups.