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Spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery and the right hepatic artery: a case report

Nicolas C Buchs1*, Pierre Charbonnet1, Frank Schwenter1, Christoph D Becker2, Philippe Morel1 and Sylvain Terraz2

Author Affiliations

1 Clinic for Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

2 Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

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Journal of Medical Case Reports 2010, 4:87 doi:10.1186/1752-1947-4-87

Published: 16 March 2010

Abstract

Introduction

Isolated spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery is a very rare condition. Endovascular stent placement has been proposed recently for selected cases, which has led to some good clinical results.

Case presentation

We report a case of spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery spreading to the origin of a right hepatic artery in a 48-year-old Chinese man. He benefited from the placement of an endovascular stent that yielded excellent results.

Conclusion

Endovascular stent placement is a good alternative treatment for dissection of the superior mesenteric artery. We propose an algorithm for the management of this rare condition.