Involvement of herbal medicine as a cause of mesenteric phlebosclerosis: results from a large-scale nationwide survey

Abstract

The use of herbal medicine containing sanshishi is associated with the etiology of MP. Although it may not be the causative factor, it is necessary for gastroenterologists to be aware of the potential risk of herbal medicine containing sanshishi for the development of MP.

Early‐stage idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis incidentally combined with adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon: A report of two cases

“…However, it has been reported that no definite calcification has been observed during the very early stage of IMP . The pathogenesis of IMP remains unclear; however, the long‐term oral intake of herbal medicine, especially sanshishi, has been suggested to contribute to IMP onset . We report two cases of early‐stage IMP incidentally combined with adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon.…”

“…Since Koyama et al reported the first patient with IMP in 1991, there have been less than 100 cases reported . Most cases have occurred in Asian countries . IMP is characterized by venous calcifications extending from the colon wall to the mesentery, thus causing chronic colonic ischemia due to venous return impairment.…”

“…Radiological diagnosis of early‐stage IMP is quite difficult because it lacks definite calcification. IMP causes abdominal symptoms; however, IMP is often asymptomatic . Furthermore, the severity of mesenteric venous calcification is associated with the number of active symptoms (i.e., fever, abdominal pain, severe constipation, bowel obstruction, vomiting, or diarrhea) .…”

“…The association between IMP and long‐term oral intake of herbal medicine containing sanshishi has been suggested to contribute to the onset of IMP . Of the 13 reported cases, 9 patients were using herbal prescriptions and all of them had a history of using herbal medicine containing sanshishi.…”

“…Of the 13 reported cases, 9 patients were using herbal prescriptions and all of them had a history of using herbal medicine containing sanshishi. Shimizu et al conducted a nationwide survey and reported that the use of herbal medicines was confirmed for 87% of IMP patients; 81% of the medicines contained sanshishi . In addition, discontinuation of herbal medicine containing sanshishi resulted in improvements in symptoms for 84.3% of symptomatic patients (43/51 cases), and no patients required surgery.…”