[Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection: case for non-operative management].

Objective: To sum up the experience in diagnosis and treatment of isolated superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection and determine the best management for this disease.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of two patients with isolated SMA dissection admitted in the first hospital of China medical university from October to December 2006 and 69 cases reported in the literature.

Results: SMA dissection without aortic involvement is a rare event. Most diagnoses were established by CT and arteriography. Therapeutic option has not yet been established, however, conservative and interventional treatments have been reported more frequently. In our two cases, CT angiography allowed the rapid diagnoses. They were treated by conservative method and interventional stent separately, and have been followed-up for seven months. The managements were successful.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and management directly influence the prognosis. The strategy of management should be determined by symptoms, blood supply of SMA, peritonitis et al.