Incidence of mesenteric arterial thrombosis in protein S deficiency patients

Acute mesenteric ischemia refers to the sudden onset of intestinal hypo perfusion, one cause of which can be mesenteric venous occlusion. Mesenteric venous thrombosis can present acutely, or in a subacute or chronic manner. Protein S is a vitamin K-dependent plasma glycoprotein synthesized in the endothelium. The characterized function of Protein S is its role in the anti coagulation pathway. We have presented here a case of 34 years old male who presented with acute abdominal pain of sudden onset and later on diagnosed as mesenteric arterial thrombosis with protein S deficiency. Faced with such a case of arterial thrombosis without any known risk factors, the screening for thrombophilia is to be done to prevent further complication and to put patient on adequate lifelong anticoagulant therapy.