Value of Multi-detector CT in Detection of Isolated Spontaneous Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection

Objective To investigate the role of multi-detector computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and classification of isolated spontaneous superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISSMAD). Methods From July 2012 to December 2016, 30 consecutive patients with ISSMAD underwent CT scan at least two times. We retrospectively summarized the clinical characteristics and CT findings of them. The stenosis ratio of true lumen was compared between the patients without bowel ischemia and ones with bowel ischemia. Results There were 5 cases of type I ISSMAD, 14 cases of type 2, 1 case of type 3, 7 cases of type 4 and 3 cases of type V. Intestinal ischemia occurred in 5 patients. The stenosis ratio of true lumen in the patients without bowel ischemia was lower than that with bowel ischemia (45.6% vs. 76.0%, t=-14.5, P=0.000). Five patients with intestinal ischemia underwent superior mesenteric artery stenting and others received conservative therapy. The abdominal pain was alleviated for all the patients after treatment. Follow-up was complete in 30 cases. Follow-up CT angiography of superior mesenteric artery showed dissection remodeling in 12 patients. Conclusion Multi-detector CT is a valuable method in diagnosis and classification of ISSMAD and monitoring the changes of dissection.