Sequential multiple visceral arteries dissections without aortic involvement

Abstract

Isolated dissection of visceral arteries without associated aortic pathology is very rare. Risk factors, etiology, and natural history of this pathology continue to be unclear, and the guidelines for clinical management remain to be defined. We present a case not described previously, with sequential dissections of the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and renal arteries without aortic involvement. The patient presented with severe back thoracic and abdominal pain and without evidence of peritonitis. An abdominal angio-CT scan showed dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), with partial thrombosis of the false lumen and subsequent stenosis of around 60%. Conservative treatment with anticoagulants seemed to be appropriate in the beginning, because the patient became asymptomatic spontaneously within a few hours and angio-CT showed dissection but no ischemic lesions. On day 10 after onset, however, he again indicated severe back thoracic and abdominal pain. Emergent CT was performed. The prior SMA dissection appeared to be worse due to increased size of the false lumen, followed by SMA stenosis (about 75‒80%). In addition, dissection of the celiac artery and both renal arteries could be seen. The patient underwent angiography and stenting of the main trunk of the SMA, with good clinical and radiologic outcome. Double oral antiplatelet therapy was then introduced. An angio-MRI scan 6 months later showed stability of the multiple dissections.