Ruptured and unruptured mycotic superior mesenteric artery aneurysms

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Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
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Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia

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Gaurav Sharma1, Marcus E Semel1, Edward A McGillicuddy1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Annals of Vascular Surgery
|July 15, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Septic aneurysms of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) are rare but dangerous. Increased intravenous drug use may lead to more cases, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of these infectious aneurysms.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Aneurysms of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) are rare visceral artery aneurysms with high rupture rates.
  • Historically, infectious etiologies predominated, but recent increases in intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) suggest a potential resurgence of septic embolic complications.

Observation:

  • Two cases of IVDA patients presenting with infectious endocarditis and SMA aneurysms are described.
  • One of these cases involved a ruptured SMA aneurysm, emphasizing the critical nature of this condition.

Findings:

  • Infectious endocarditis can lead to septic emboli, causing SMA aneurysms in IVDA patients.
  • Prompt recognition and management are crucial due to the high risk of rupture and mortality associated with these aneurysms.

Implications:

  • The rising rates of IVDA necessitate increased vigilance for septic embolic aneurysms of the SMA.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are vital for improving outcomes in patients with infectious SMA aneurysms.
  • Further research into optimal management strategies for these rare but life-threatening conditions is warranted.

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