Usefulness of Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Celiac Trunk and Superior Mesenteric Artery Involvement in Acute Aortic Dissection

Mesenteric ischemia is a serious complication of acute aortic dissection (AAD), and its early diagnosis is vital for prognosis and appropriate treatment indication. Arteries affected by this complication are the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery, and their evaluation is usually based on computed tomographic angiography. Transesophageal echocardiography is also a useful technique for diagnosing AAD and is essential in monitoring surgical or endovascular treatment when computed tomographic angiography is not available. However, the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography for evaluating celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery involvement and mesenteric ischemia mechanisms in AAD is not well established. Real-time information on mesenteric malperfusion is needed at the bedside, in primary care facilities, and in the operating room to achieve prompt diagnosis and better therapeutic management. The aims of this review are to assess the role of TEE to diagnose celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery involvement in AAD, determine the mechanisms that can cause flow obstruction in patients with mesenteric ischemia, and analyze possible implications in the treatment of this complication. •TEE is useful for evaluating CTr and SMA involvement in AAD.•TEE can distinguish between static and dynamic obstruction mechanisms.•TEE performed in AAD evaluation should routinely include study of the CTr and SMA.•TEE is useful to monitor treatment according to the mechanism of vessel obstruction.