Abstract
Spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery is a rare condition especially when not associated with the aortic dissection. We describe a 57-year-old man with isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery. Enhanced CT (computed tomography) scan revealed the isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery beginning 0.5 cm from its origin, with thrombosis in the false lumen. Because the true lumen did not show significant stenosis, we followed him without any invasive treatment. The next morning, he had complete symptomatic relief. On the second day after admission, we decided on cessation of fasting because there was no expansion of the false lumen on the enhanced CT scan. Aspirin was prescribed due to the slight stenosis of the true lumen. The false lumen disappeared on enhanced CT three months after his initial presentation. We did not administer any anticoagulant agents. Anticoagulation or antiplatelet drug should be considered according to the severity of the stenosis of the true lumen. Indications for surgery appear to be an aneursymal formation or the development of ischemic colitis under any suitable medication.
