Abstract
A 55-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of sudden epigastric pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery and intramural thrombus in the ascending aorta ; superior mesenteric arterial embolism caused by ascending aortic thrombus was diagnosed. We performed endovascular treatment, and mesenteric blood flow improved. Heparin was administered for anticoagulant therapy. Laboratory examination on admission showed a low level of protein C. Six days after admission, aortic thrombus caused occlusion of the common iliac artery, and axillofemoral bypass was performed. Following surgery, a small bowel series was performed because of occasional vomiting after a meal. This showed a stricture in the jejunum, and partial resection of the jejunum was performed. We report this case because of the rarity of superior mesenteric arterial embolism caused by ascending aortic thrombus associated with protein C deficiency.
