Mesenteric and myocardial ischemia revealing lower limb sarcoma

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Although most of the causes of acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) embolism with a poor clinical course originate from the heart, we report a case of SMA embolism secondary to advanced sarcoma of the lower extremities. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old man presented with chest and epigastric discomfort that lasted for 1 day. Coronary angioplasty was performed, followed by laparotomy with an embolectomy of the SMA, small bowel resection, and ileostomy. After surgery, leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed on a biopsy performed in the left thigh, and lung metastasis was confirmed. He had recurrent peritonitis for 2 months and died of multiple organ failure. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The common etiologies of SMA embolism include cardioembolic sources with atrial fibrillation and recent myocardial infarction. Rare etiologies include atherosclerotic plaque, mural thrombus of the aneurysm, and cardiac sarcoma. CONCLUSION: Efforts are required for the systemic evaluation of various etiologies in patients with SMA embolism who require rapid diagnosis and intervention.