Superior mesenteric artery dissection

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection is an uncommon type of arterial dissection. It can either on its own (spontaneous isolated) or occur as part of an extension of an aortic dissection (combined), with the latter being more common. However, spontaneous isolated SMA dissection is considered the most frequently reported type of visceral artery dissection .

Epidemiology

Patients often present in middle age (50-70 of age). There is a recognized increased male predilection .

Clinical presentation

Patients can present with vague abdominal pain, the pain being especially worse after a meal. An SMA dissection is considered more symptomatic than a celiac artery dissection .

Pathology

Location

In isolated SMA dissections, it usually begins a few centimeters from the SMA origin .

Associations

Spontaneous isolated SMA dissection has been reported in association with :

• atherosclerosis
• cystic medial necrosis
• hypertension
• fibromuscular dysplasia
• trauma
• vasculitis

Radiographic features

CT

On non-contrast CT, the SMA is often enlarged. Postcontrast images often show a flap within the vessel in acute situations. In an acute state, there can also be increased attenuation of the fat plane around the SMA .

Treatment and prognosis

Different therapeutic approaches are possible ranging from conservative management to surgical revascularization to endovascular therapy . The prognosis is variable and it can sometimes be fatal.

History and etymology

It was first reported in 1947, Bauersfeld et.al. .

See also

• arterial dissection

Siehe auch:

• Fibromuskuläre Dysplasie
• Dissektion
• thorakale Aortendissektion
• stenting superior mesenteric artery

und weiter:

• Stent Arteria mesenterica superior