Management of spontaneous isolated visceral artery dissection

Spontaneous isolated dissection of the celiac artery (CA) or the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is rare but increasingly recognized because of widespread use of advanced abdominal imaging technology. Indications for specific therapeutic options and long-term outcomes are not well defined. This study analyzed clinical features, management strategies, and outcomes for patients with spontaneous visceral artery dissections.

Medical records of all patients diagnosed with CA or SMA dissections at 2 institutions (Scripps Green Hospital and San Diego Kaiser Medical Center) between January 2005 and January 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics included age, symptoms, associated comorbidities, and type of intervention. Anatomic features including length of dissection and entry point were measured. Efficacy of the various treatments was compared on the basis of symptom resolution and clinical course.

Over an 8-year period, 23 patients with a diagnosis of visceral artery dissection were identified. Eighteen (78%) patients were men. Most patients (78%) were symptomatic on initial presentation with abdominal or back pain. Treatment included observation in 4, anticoagulation in 13, and endovascular stenting in 6 patients. The mean follow-up was 23.8 months. No patient required bowel resection. Twenty of twenty-three patients reported resolution of symptoms at follow-up.

In this series, all patients with isolated visceral artery dissection had favorable outcomes, with no significant morbidity or mortality. Conservative management with anticoagulation is recommended as the first-line therapy. When conservative management fails, endovascular therapy is the treatment of choice.