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Updated: May 19, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
[Diagnosis of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection using computed tomography angiography]
Ke-wen Peng1, Bi-xian Shen, Yan Gao
1Department of Radiology, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital, Guangdong Medical College, Shenzhen 518052, China.
Objective:
To investigate the characteristics of the spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) on computed tomography angiography (CTA).
Methods:
Twenty-five patients with unexplained acute abdominal pain received CTA.
Results:
Four cases with the SISMAD were found and all were male with a mean age of (45.3±6.7) years. Two patients had hypertension history. CT showed enlarged diameter of the superior mesenteric artery with dissection in 4 cases, intimal flap and visible false lumen in 2 cases, ulcer-like laceration in 1 case, and intramural hematoma in 1 case. The proximal lacerations or entries were all at the proximal segment of the superior mesenteric artery. CTA classifications were type Ia (n=2), IIb (n=1), and III (n=1). Two patients underwent repeated CTA when discharged, and progressive changes were discovered.
Conclusion:
CTA can clearly show the characteristics of the superior mesenteric artery dissection, confirm the diagnosis, and provide an important basis for the classification and follow-up observation.
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