A Case of Isolated Celiac Artery Dissection Treated with Surgical Revascularization and Aneurysmectomy

Abstract

We report a case of isolated celiac artery dissection that was successfully treated with surgery. A 48-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to sudden upper abdominal pain. The patient was diagnosed with the celiac artery dissection by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and was followed with conservative observation. Follow up CT at three months after the onset revealed saccular aneurysmal formation and enlargement of the celiac trunk. We therefor decided to perform surgery. Laparotomy was perfomed with a median incision. A bypass using the saphenous vein was made from the infra-renal abdominal aorta to the splenic artery and the common hepatic artery. Then the dissecting aneurysm of the celiac trunk was resected. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 15 days after surgery. Postoperative contrast-enhanced CT showed a patent bypass graft and sufficient arterial perfusion to the visceral organs. The patient is currently doing well with no problems. Isolated visceral artery dissection, including celiac artery dissection, is relatively rare. Most cases are treated conservatively, however, invasive therapy may be indicated in some cases. If invasive therapy is required, it is important to choose the optimal method for each case.