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Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Superior mesenteric artery spontaneous and isolated dissection diagnosed by using MDCTA
L Saba1, R Sanfilippo, M Atzeni
1Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Cagliari, Polo di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy. lucasaba@tiscali.it
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|April 16, 2010
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of spontaneous superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection. Early diagnosis via advanced CT imaging is crucial for conservative management and preventing intestinal infarction.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Spontaneous superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection is a rare vascular emergency.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management are critical to prevent complications like intestinal infarction.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old male presented with acute abdominal pain after eating.
- Initial sonography showed no pathological findings.
- Multi-detector row computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) revealed an 8 cm intimal flap in the SMA, 2 cm from its origin.
Findings:
- The SMA dissection was limited, without occlusion.
- The mesenteric marginal artery provided collateral circulation.
- Conservative treatment was initiated due to the limited nature of the dissection and adequate collateral flow.
Implications:
- Advanced CT technology significantly improves the diagnosis of SMA dissection.
- Prompt diagnosis and conservative management can lead to favorable outcomes.
- This case adds to the limited literature on isolated spontaneous SMA dissection, with only 107 cases reported previously.
