Splenic vein
Vena splenica (lienalis)
The splenic vein drains the spleen. It runs to the right behind the body of the pancreas and joins the superior mesenteric vein behind the pancreatic neck to form the portal vein.
Overview
The splenic vein forms at the splenic hilum from several smaller veins. It runs to the right in the splenorenal ligament and then along the back of the pancreas, embedded in a groove in the pancreatic tissue and lying below the splenic artery. On the way it receives the short gastric, left gastro-omental and pancreatic veins, and usually the inferior mesenteric vein.
Anatomy
- Tributaries
The short gastric, left gastro-omental and pancreatic veins, and usually the inferior mesenteric vein.
Function
- Drains the spleen, the pancreatic body and tail, and the gastric fundus and greater curvature.
Clinical significance
Splenic vein thrombosis
Splenic vein thrombosis is usually caused by pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. It produces portal hypertension confined to the left side (sinistral portal hypertension): varices in the gastric fundus with normal liver function. Removing the spleen cures it.
Distal splenorenal shunt
In the distal splenorenal (Warren) shunt operation, the splenic vein is joined to the left renal vein to relieve variceal bleeding.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cardiovascular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.