Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection: A Rare Etiology of Colic Ischemia

Although isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection is a rare disease entity, it possesses high mortality. The pathophysiology remains a mystery. In this case, we report a 68-year-old male with compromised coronary circulation been evaluated for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and who developed a sudden, localized, right-sided abdominal pain. It was diagnosed on a computer tomography arteriogram (CTA), revealing a short segmental dissection involving the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Vascular surgery was consulted and the decision was made to conservatively manage this patient's condition with anticoagulation. He was seen subsequently in the outpatient setting with a resolution of abdominal pain and a repeat computer tomography scan of the abdomen revealed resolution of previously seen colitis changes. Abdominal discomfort is a common complaint for which patients are seen in a variety of therapeutic settings, it is critical to bring attention to this case in order to raise awareness of the possibility of isolated SMA dissection as one of the underlying causes.