Abstract
Objective: Isolated aneurysm of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is a relatively rare condition, and there have been few studies on the use of ultrasonography for detecting SMA aneurysms. This study was conducted to examine ultrasonographic images of SMA aneurysms diagnosed in comprehensive health check-ups.
Methods: The records of seven patients in whom isolated asymptomatic dilatation of SMA was discovered for the first time in screening abdominal ultrasonography were reviewed.
Results: All subjects were men aged 59.9 ± 25.1 (range, 39-76), SMA diameter was 9.8 ± 1.2mm (8.6-10.3 mm), expanded range 26.6 ± 23.2 (17.2-50.1 mm), normal portion diameter 6.2 ± 1.7mm (4.8-6.9 mm), distance from aortic branch 24.0 ± 13.9mm (12.4-30.7 mm, n=5). In three cases flap-like lumen structures were observed.
Conclusion: SMA lesions are often reported as acute abdomen, and detection in health screening is rare. The reasons for this are considered to be: inability to notice dilatation, inability to visualize due to digestive tract gas, and non-inclusion in objects of examination. Asymptomatic SMA lesions should be kept in mind when we conduct screening ultrasonography as this may lead to the discovery of important diseases.
