Isolated dissection of superior mesenteric artery

ABSTRACT

Isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery is a rare occurrence with a hitherto unknown exact etiology. Patients may present with abdominal symptoms or hemodynamic instability. We herein present a case of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection in a 48-year-old man, who was admitted with epigastric pain. Due to an undiagnosed paced rhythm on the electrocardiogram, he was given fibrinolysis treatment for acute myocardial infarction. On further evaluation, angiography revealed that the cause of pain was the dissection of the superior mesenteric artery. The patient's symptoms were diminished with conservative management, obviating the need for the angioplasty of the superior mesenteric artery.