Management of isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection

AIM: To evaluate our experience of the clinical management of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISMAD).METHODS: From January 2008 to July 2013, 18 patients with ISMAD were retrospectively analyzed, including 7 patients who received conservative therapy, 9 patients who received reconstruction with bare stents, and 2 patients who underwent surgical treatment. The decision to intervene was based on anatomic suitability, patient comorbidities and symptoms.RESULTS: Intestinal ischemia-related symptoms completely resolved in 7 patients who received conservative therapy. Stent placement was successful in 9 patients. Of the 9 patients who received endovascular stenting, abdominal pain was alleviated after the procedure and gradually disappeared within 3 d. Follow-up computed tomography and computed tomography angiography were available in all patients during the first month and the first year after the procedure, which revealed patent stent and patent involved superior mesenteric artery branches with complete obliteration of the dissection lesion. In the 2 patients who underwent surgical treatment, good clinical efficacy was also observed.CONCLUSION: ISMAD may be managed successfully in a variety of ways based on the clinical symptoms. ISMAD should be treated by conservative management as the first-line option, however, in those with bowel necrosis or imminent arterial rupture during conservative therapy, endovascular or surgical therapy is indicated.