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Updated: May 31, 2026
05:07
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Superior mesenteric vein aneurysm rupture
Travis J Smith1, Dan L Morehouse
1Department of Medical Education, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, La Crosse, WI, USA.
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
|July 1, 2011
Summary
Visceral venous aneurysms (VVA) are rare, with superior mesenteric vein (SMV) aneurysms being exceptionally uncommon. This report details the first known case of a ruptured SMV aneurysm, highlighting a rare but serious complication.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Venous aneurysms are uncommon, predominantly affecting peripheral vessels.
- Visceral venous aneurysms (VVA) are rare, with portal mesenteric vein aneurysms being the most frequent subtype.
- Limited data exists on the natural history, presentation, and management of VVAs due to their rarity.
Observation:
- Many VVAs are asymptomatic, while others present with mass effect or complications.
- Rupture is an infrequent complication of VVAs, occurring in approximately 2.2% of cases.
- Only 17 cases of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) aneurysms have been previously reported in the literature.
Findings:
- This study reports the first documented case of a ruptured superior mesenteric vein (SMV) aneurysm.
- The case underscores the potential for severe complications even in rare vascular conditions.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for SMV aneurysms.
- Suggests that rupture, though rare, is a critical consideration in the management of SMV aneurysms.
- Emphasizes the importance of case reporting to expand the understanding of rare visceral venous pathologies.
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