A Rare Case of Isolated Idiopathic Inferior Mesenteric Artery Dissection

BACKGROUND Isolated dissection of a mesenteric artery is very rare and usually presents with acute gastrointestinal symptoms. There have been previously published reports on the isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery. However, isolated dissection of the inferior mesenteric artery is rare. CASE REPORT A 43-year-old man presented with sudden onset of lower abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging confirmed isolated dissection of the inferior mesenteric artery. To prevent exacerbation of the dissection, his systolic blood pressure was controlled to <140 mmHg, and his progress was observed for ten days while in hospital during which time the dissection stabilized. There was no extension of the dissection. After three years, the dissection had healed and did not recur. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first case report of isolated dissection of the inferior mesenteric artery that resolved spontaneously. This case shows the importance of blood pressure control in the management of arterial dissection.