A rare cause of small bowel infarction

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Small bowel infarction is a critical condition often caused by arterial occlusion.
• Cardiac tumors are rare and can lead to embolic events.
• Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion is a common cause of bowel ischemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of small bowel infarction secondary to a cardiac tumor embolism.
• To review the current literature on cardiac tumors as a source of mesenteric ischemia.
• To highlight the diagnostic and management challenges of this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient presenting with symptoms of bowel ischemia.
• Diagnostic workup including imaging to identify the cause of SMA occlusion.
• Literature review of similar cases and relevant pathophysiology.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced small bowel infarction due to occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery.
• The occlusion was found to be caused by an embolus originating from a cardiac tumor.
• This specific etiology for SMA occlusion and subsequent bowel infarction is unprecedented in existing literature.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac tumor embolism is a rare but potential cause of superior mesenteric artery occlusion and small bowel infarction.
• Early diagnosis and prompt intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in mesenteric ischemia.
• This case underscores the importance of considering uncommon embolic sources in the evaluation of arterial occlusive events.