Spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection requiring emergent surgery

Abstract

A 52-year-old man with a history of hypertension was referred to our hospital due to persistent abdominal pain. Abdominal palpation revealed remarkable rigidity and rebound tenderness all over the abdomen. Enhanced computed tomography demonstrated the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection with a complete obstruction at the middle part of the SMA. Intraoperative findings showed significant necrosis in the most small intestine and surgical resection was performed. Emergent operation is warranted once abdominal pain becomes uncontrollable or intestinal necrosis is suspected. Physicians should pay careful attention to patients’ symptoms and repeatedly perfume physical examinations.