S3812 A Diagnostic Odyssey: Enterocolic Lymphocytic Phlebitis Presenting as Refractory Colitis

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Introduction: Enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis (ELP) is a rare and newly described condition of uncertain etiology. Presentation and diagnostic findings are often nonspecific or conflicting, complicating diagnosis. Despite these challenges, surgical resection is curative. We present a case of refractory colitis ultimately diagnosed with ELP. Case Description/Methods: A 74-year-old man with coronary artery disease presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and anorexia for 1 week. He had multiple Emergency Department visits; each time he was discharged home with pain medication and antibiotics. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed nonspecific, left-sided colitis. He represented with worsening abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever. CT showed recto-colitis and new ascites. Inflammatory markers were elevated: erythrocyte sediment rate 27 mm/hr and c-reactive protein 27.2 mg/dL. Fecal calprotectin was normal at 9 mcg/g. Infectious stool PCR was negative. Symptoms progressed despite broad spectrum antibiotics. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed severely congested and edematous mucosa in the rectum, sigmoid, and descending colon without ulceration or overt inflammation. Findings raised concern for venous congestion. On pathology, active colitis was not seen; the mucosa was intact but there was scattered vascular microthrombi and hyalinized stroma suggestive of ischemic changes. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) venogram to rule out ischemic and venous thrombotic disease involving the venous system was pursued. There was redemonstration of proctocolitis, increased ascites, and prominent left-sided pericolonic veins, suspicious for idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins. Curative treatment is surgery and with worsening symptoms surgery was performed. Intraoperatively, dense inflammation precluded a full resection, and a diverting loop colostomy was completed. Intraoperative mesenteric biopsies revealed ELP. Four months later, he underwent a successful hemicolectomy with hartman’s pouch and permanent end colostomy. Discussion: This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of ELP, a rare and underrecognized cause of colitis. Given his venous thrombosis, hypercoagulable testing was performed and showed heterozygous Factor V Leiden. The nonspecific findings often mimic common conditions, delaying diagnosis. A multimodal approach, including CT venography and endoscopy, guided timely surgical intervention. The presence of Factor V Leiden may suggest a prothrombotic component and warrants further investigation.

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