Superior mesenteric artery dissection with aneurysm, hematoma, and bowel ischemia mimicking pancreatitis: a rare case image report

TL;DR

A rare case of superior mesenteric artery dissection was mistaken for pancreatitis, highlighting the need for early CT scans to avoid delays in diagnosis.

Contribution

This case report emphasizes the importance of contrast-enhanced CT in diagnosing SMA dissection mimicking pancreatitis.

Findings

Contrast-enhanced CT revealed SMA dissection with thrombosis, aneurysm, and hematoma.

Conservative management led to favorable outcomes in a hemodynamically stable patient.

Clinical red flags and systematic imaging can differentiate urgent from manageable cases.

Abstract

Background: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection is an uncommon yet potentially fatal vascular condition that often manifests as acute abdominal pain complicates the diagnostic process. Contrast-enhanced CT is essential for diagnosis, revealing the extent of dissection and associated complications such as thrombosis or aneurysm. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 58-year-old male presenting with right hypochondriac and epigastric pain, accompanied by vomiting. Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis, elevated amylase and lipase, and a falling hemoglobin level, leading to a preliminary diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and initiation of supportive management. Persistent pain and progressive decline in hemoglobin prompted a contrast-enhanced CT, which revealed an isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection with a partially thrombosed false lumen, small pseudoaneurysmal dilation, and a significant intraperitoneal hematoma. Bowel wall thickening in the distal jejunum and proximal ileum suggested ischemia or early necrosis, with associated mild ascites and edematous bowel loops, but no pneumoperitoneum. Conclusion: Isolated SMA dissection with thrombosis, aneurysm, and hematoma can closely mimic acute pancreatitis, highlighting the importance of considering vascular causes in acute abdominal pain. Early use of contrast-enhanced CT guided by clinical red flags is crucial to prevent complications such as bowel necrosis. Our case demonstrates that, in hemodynamically stable patients, conservative management with supportive care, antihypertensives, and anticoagulation can result in favorable clinical and radiologic outcomes. This case demonstrates the integration of systematic CT imaging with clinical red-flag assessment to differentiate SMA dissections requiring urgent intervention from those amenable to conservative management, potentially reducing diagnostic delays and improving outcomes.

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