Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Targeting the Rat's Small Bowel: Long-Term Infusion into the Superior Mesenteric Artery
Published on: April 8, 2021
Open treatment of superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm due to infective endocarditis
Nicola Basile1,2, Marco Panagrosso2, Eduardo Cavallo2
1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Vascular Surgery, Policlinico Federico II, Napoli, Italy.
Abstract:
In this work, we describe the case of a 63-year-old man, with a history of infective endocarditis, who presented with abdominal pain, significant weight loss, and recurrent diarrheal episodes over the preceding months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography demonstrated a large pseudoaneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery, located in the mid-segment of the vessel, with poor opacification of the distal branches. The patient underwent surgical management via midline laparotomy. This case report aims to highlight the role of open surgical repair in the management of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms, as this approach allows preservation of major collateral branches and enables thorough histopathological examination to assess the underlying etiology of the lesion.
Insights
This case report details a superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with a history of endocarditis. Open surgical repair was successful, preserving collateral circulation and allowing for etiological assessment.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms are rare but serious vascular emergencies.
- Infective endocarditis can be a predisposing factor for pseudoaneurysm formation.
- Symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Endocarditis III: Medical Management

