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Isolated dissection of the celiac artery--a case report
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.
Angiology
|August 5, 2000
Summary
Isolated celiac artery dissection, a rare condition, can cause splenic infarction and acute abdominal pain. This case highlights the importance of considering visceral artery dissection in diagnosing such symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Isolated arterial dissection, excluding aortic dissection, is uncommon in visceral arteries.
- Celiac artery dissection is particularly rare, with limited case reports available.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing complications.
Observation:
- A healthy 58-year-old man presented with sudden, persistent upper abdominal pain.
- A computed tomogram revealed splenic infarction and a celiac artery aneurysm with thrombus.
- Angiography demonstrated celiac artery dilatation, wall irregularity, and hepatic artery occlusion.
Findings:
- The splenic infarction was likely caused by an embolism from the dissected celiac artery.
- The hepatic artery was supplied by collateral circulation from the superior mesenteric artery.
- The absence of other vascular issues suggested spontaneous dissection.
Implications:
- Visceral artery dissection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain.
- This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare vascular events.
- Understanding spontaneous dissection mechanisms in visceral arteries requires further investigation.