Intravascular Stenting in the Superior Mesenteric Artery for Chronic Abdominal Angina

Abstract

Purpose: Abdominal angina is an early clinical expression of occlusive mesenteric arterial insufficiency, a condition that requires aggressive treatment to prevent intestinal infarction. We report a case of chronic mesenteric ischemia in a young polyvascular man who had symptoms of abdominal angina. Methods and Results: An aortic angiogram revealed a significant ostial stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) associated with an occlusion of the inferior mesenteric artery. After predilation of the ostial portion of the SMA, significant residual stenosis remained. A balloon-expandable Palmaz P154 stent was deployed, restoring adequate luminal dimensions and blood flow. The patient was discharged after 2 days and remains asymptomatic at 5 months. Conclusion: Intraluminal stenting for treatment of mesenteric ischemia represents a viable alternative to surgical revascularization in selected cases.