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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Acute abdomen resulting from concurrent thrombosis of celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery
Savaş Bayrak1, Hasan Bektas1, Yigit Duzkoylu1
1Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, General Surgery Clinic, Fatih, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Mesenteric ischemia, a severe gastrointestinal condition, often stems from superior mesenteric artery blockages. This report details a rare case of simultaneous obstruction in both the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Surgery
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Mesenteric ischemia is a critical gastrointestinal disease with high mortality, frequently caused by superior mesenteric artery embolism or thrombosis.
- While celiac trunk occlusion is rare, concurrent obstruction of major mesenteric vessels presents a unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes in acute mesenteric ischemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of concurrent obstruction of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk.
- To highlight the diagnostic considerations and potential management strategies for this complex vascular presentation.
- To contribute to the understanding of rare etiologies of acute abdomen and mesenteric ischemia.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging (e.g., CT angiography), and treatment approach.
- Review of relevant literature on isolated and combined mesenteric and celiac artery occlusions.
- Multidisciplinary team discussion involving gastroenterology, vascular surgery, and radiology.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with acute abdomen secondary to simultaneous superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk obstruction.
- Diagnostic imaging confirmed the concurrent occlusion of both major visceral arteries.
- The case underscores the importance of comprehensive vascular assessment in suspected mesenteric ischemia.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent obstruction of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk is an exceptionally rare but critical condition.
- Prompt diagnosis through advanced imaging is essential for timely intervention.
- This case emphasizes the need for heightened awareness among clinicians regarding complex mesenteric vascular pathologies.
Abstract:
Mesenteric ischemia is one of the most mortal diseases of the gastrointestinal system causing acute abdomen. In most of the patients, the etiological factor is the obstructive embolism or thrombosis of superior mesenteric artery. In the literature, there have been reports regarding also celiac trunk occlusion in rare situations. The gold standard treatment relies on early diagnosis. The originality of our report relies on the concurrent obstruction of both vascular structures.
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