Use of intravascular hypo-and hyper-attenuation on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography in diagnosing acute septic thrombophlebitis

Abstract

Septic thrombi, such as those observed in pylephlebitis and Lemierre's syndrome, are characterized by portal vein thrombosis and venous thrombosis with bacterial infection. Although radiographic findings of septic thrombus on contrast-enhanced computed tomography have been well described, no report has described the characteristics of non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography. We describe a case series of septic thrombophlebitis exhibiting intravascular hypo-and hyper-attenuation on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography. These radiographic features reflect the pathophysiology of septic thrombus, and therefore, it is important and useful to evaluate thrombus attenuation on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography.