Endovascular repair of spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery

Aim To present our experience of the clinical management of spontaneous isolated dissection of superior mesenteric artery (SIDSMA) and analyse the clinical features, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, eight consecutive patients with symptomatic SIDSMA were treated in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between April 2007 and April 2010; among these patients, six underwent endovascular stent placement. The clinical manifestations, imaging findings, endovascular stent placement outcome, and follow-up results of the patients were retrospectively analysed. Results Eight patients were diagnosed with SIDSMA by contrast-enhanced computer tomography. One patient died due to comorbidity before angiography. Six patients underwent percutaneous endovascular stent placement in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA): four patients with bare stents and two with stent grafts. Because it was not appropriate to perform stent implantation in the remaining patient, he received only conservative treatment. All seven patients had an uneventful recovery and the follow-up period was 16 month, ranging from 1 to 35 months. Conclusion For patients with symptomatic SIDSMA, endovascular repair is a feasible treatment choice with a high success rate and good clinical outcome.