Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Clinics in diagnostic imaging (176). Acute embolic occlusion of the coeliac artery
Chinthaka Appuhamy1, Justin Kwan1, Martin Weng Chin H'ng1
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
Insights
A rare case of coeliac artery embolism causing splenic infarction was successfully treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis. This minimally invasive approach offers a feasible and effective option for acute thromboembolic occlusion.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- A 52-year-old male with chronic heart disease and atrial fibrillation presented with abdominal pain.
- Patient had a history of non-compliance with warfarin therapy.
Observation:
- Computed tomography mesenteric angiography revealed complete embolic occlusion of the coeliac artery.
- Associated findings included segmental splenic infarction and left ventricular thrombus.
Findings:
- Catheter-directed thrombolysis was performed to treat the coeliac artery embolism.
- Successful treatment was confirmed by a 12-hour follow-up angiogram, showing complete embolus dissolution.
- The patient's symptoms resolved, and he was discharged on anticoagulation therapy.
Implications:
- Isolated acute embolic occlusion of the coeliac axis is a rare but serious condition.
- Catheter-directed thrombolysis is a viable and effective treatment modality for this condition.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable patient outcomes.
Abstract:
A 52-year-old man, who had a background of chronic heart disease and atrial fibrillation, as well as non-compliance with warfarin therapy, presented with a two-week history of worsening upper abdominal pain. Computed tomography mesenteric angiography showed complete embolic occlusion of the coeliac artery with resultant segmental splenic infarction, and thrombus within the left ventricle. A decision was made to proceed with catheter-directed thrombolysis. Subsequent follow-up angiogram at 12 hours showed successful treatment with complete dissolution of the coeliac embolus. The patient's symptoms resolved during his hospitalisation and he was subsequently discharged well on long-term oral anticoagulation therapy. Isolated acute embolic occlusion of the coeliac axis is a rare occurrence that may result in end-organ infarction. Treatment options include systemic anti-coagulation, mechanical thrombectomy, catheter thrombolysis or open surgery. Catheter-directed thrombolysis therapy is a feasible and effective option for treating acute thromboembolic occlusion of the coeliac artery.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion, evaluates...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

