Isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery: a case report and literature review

Isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery is rare; it is predominantly observed in men with the highest incidence in those over 40 years old. Contrast-enhanced multi-detector computed tomography is considered essential for the diagnosis, therapeutic management and follow-up. The therapeutic approach ranges from conservative medical treatment to surgery or endovascular stent placement, but there are, to date, no approved guidelines. We report the case of a 68-year old man who entered our Emergency Department just for mild abdominal pain, which later proved to be due to acute dissection of the superior mesenteric artery.