Splenic Vein Flashcards

Study the splenic vein, including its formation, pancreatic relations, gastric tributaries, portal drainage, and clinical significance.

Card 1 of 30Question

What is the splenic vein?

A major tributary of the hepatic portal venous system that drains blood from the spleen and receives pancreatic and gastric tributaries.

In This Section

1. What is the splenic vein?

A major tributary of the hepatic portal venous system that drains blood from the spleen and receives pancreatic and gastric tributaries.

2. Where does the splenic vein originate?

Near the splenic hilum, where several venous tributaries from the spleen unite.

3. In which direction does the splenic vein travel?

Medially from the splenic hilum toward the portal venous confluence.

4. What is the relationship of the splenic vein to the pancreas?

It courses posterior to the pancreas, often within a groove along its posterior surface.

5. Which pancreatic regions are closely related to the splenic vein?

The tail, body, and neck of the pancreas.

6. What is the usual relationship between the splenic vein and splenic artery?

The splenic vein generally runs inferior and posterior to the splenic artery.

7. Which vein joins the splenic vein to form the hepatic portal vein?

The superior mesenteric vein.

8. Where does the splenic vein usually join the superior mesenteric vein?

Posterior to the neck of the pancreas.

9. Which vein most commonly drains into the splenic vein from the hindgut?

The inferior mesenteric vein.

10. What alternative drainage patterns can occur for the inferior mesenteric vein?

It may drain into the superior mesenteric vein or directly into the portal venous confluence.

11. Which veins drain the gastric fundus into the splenic vein?

The short gastric veins.

12. Through which ligament do the short gastric veins travel?

The gastrosplenic ligament.

13. Which vein drains part of the greater curvature of the stomach into the splenic vein?

The left gastro-omental vein, also called the left gastroepiploic vein.

14. Which small veins drain the pancreas into the splenic vein?

Multiple pancreatic venous tributaries from the pancreatic body and tail.

15. Which vein may drain the posterior gastric wall directly into the splenic vein?

The posterior gastric vein, when present.

16. What is the usual drainage pathway from the spleen to the liver?

Splenic veins unite into the splenic vein, which joins the superior mesenteric vein to form the hepatic portal vein.

17. Does the splenic vein normally contain functional valves?

No. The splenic vein is normally valveless.

18. What is the embryological origin of the splenic vein?

It develops through remodeling of the embryonic vitelline venous system and associated portal venous channels.

19. What is splenic vein thrombosis?

Formation of a blood clot within the splenic vein, potentially obstructing venous drainage from the spleen.

20. Which pancreatic disease is a recognized cause of splenic vein thrombosis?

Pancreatitis, particularly chronic pancreatitis.

21. Why can pancreatic inflammation cause splenic vein thrombosis?

The vein lies directly behind the pancreas and may be compressed or injured by inflammation, fibrosis, or pseudocysts.

22. What is sinistral portal hypertension?

Localized left-sided portal hypertension, commonly resulting from splenic vein obstruction despite a patent main portal vein.

23. Why can splenic vein obstruction cause gastric varices?

Increased pressure in the short gastric and related collateral veins dilates submucosal veins in the stomach.

24. Which region of the stomach is particularly affected by varices associated with splenic vein thrombosis?

The gastric fundus.

25. How does isolated splenic vein obstruction differ from generalized portal hypertension?

It primarily elevates pressure in splenic venous tributaries rather than throughout the entire portal venous system.

26. Why is the splenic vein important during distal pancreatectomy?

Its close relationship to the pancreatic body and tail makes vascular identification essential during surgical dissection.

27. What complication can follow splenic vein injury during pancreatic surgery?

Significant venous hemorrhage or thrombosis, potentially impairing splenic venous drainage.

28. Which imaging technique commonly demonstrates splenic vein thrombosis and collateral veins?

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography during the portal venous phase.

29. How can Doppler ultrasonography help evaluate the splenic vein?

It can assess venous patency, blood flow direction, and abnormal collateral circulation.

30. Why is the splenic vein important when evaluating the portal venous system before surgery?

Its patency, tributaries, and variable connections influence portal drainage and surgical planning.