Dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) not associated with aortic dissection is rare. The purpose of this study is to describe the computed tomographic (CT) findings of this condition. We studied the CT findings of six patients with isolated dissection of the SMA. CT demonstrated thrombosis of the false lumen or intramural hematoma (n = 4) and/or intimal flap (n = 4) in all six patients. Other CT findings were enlarged diameter of the SMA (n = 5), increased attenuation of the fat around the SMA (n = 5), and hematoma in the mesentery with hemorrhagic ascites (n = 1). CT is useful for the diagnosis of isolated dissection of the SMA, and increased attenuation of the fat around the artery is considered the key to the diagnosis when no definite findings are evident.
We report two cases of ruptured pancreaticoduodenal arcade aneurysms that were successfully treated by embolotherapy. In these cases, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, sagittal reformed images, and angiography revealed celiac artery stenoses due to compression by the median arcuate ligament. Computed tomography also showed acute localized dissection in the distal celiac axis, suggesting that aneurysmal rupture had occurred immediately after development of the dissection. When unruptured pancreaticoduodenal arcade aneurysms are identified in the context of celiac artery dissection, the possibility of rupture may be high and requires strict observation and consideration of embolotherapy.
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