Endovascular management of acute mesenteric ischemia in a young patient with thyrotoxicosis and atrial fibrillation: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: Acute mesenteric ischemia caused by an embolism resulting from atrial fibrillation in a thyrotoxic young male patient is a rare event. Endovascular intervention is increasingly being considered as the primary modality of treatment in selected patients. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 41-years male known to have hyperthyroidism presented with atrial fibrillation, acute mesenteric ischemia, splenic infarction, and left renal infarction. He was successfully managed with endovascular intervention of the superior mesenteric artery. DISCUSSION: Acute mesenteric ischemia has a high mortality rate. CT angiography is the investigation of choice for diagnosis of the mesenteric vessels occlusion and assessment of bowel ischemia. The clinical presentation guides into the treatment and the choice between open surgery and endovascular intervention as the primary modality of treatment. Thyrotoxicosis is a risky comorbid condition for any procedure to be done, so proper perioperative management is essential to decrease morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: Prompt diagnosis and management of acute mesenteric ischemia is essential to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates. Endovascular management can be considered as a primary modality of treatment in selected cases.