Factors Associated with Failed Conservative Management in Symptomatic Isolated Mesenteric Artery Dissection

Hybrid repair of symptomatic superior mesenteric artery dissection, utilizing open septectomy

We present a case of acute isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection with symptomatic bowel malperfusion requiring surgical intervention. We recommend clinicians and surgeons maintain a high clinical suspicion for mesenteric ischemia in patients presenting with isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection and describe a hybrid open surgical/endovascular approach that can safely be utilized in patients requiring intervention.

Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection: An updated review of the literature

Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISMAD) is a rare but potentially life-threatening cause of acute abdominal pain. Owing to the availability of computed tomography angiography, more cases have been detected during screening for acute abdomen in recent years. With increasing knowledge of ISMAD, a better management strategy is being developed. To enhance our understanding and improve treatment outcomes of ISMAD, a systematic literature review was conducted with a focus on diagnosis and management strategies based on existing evidence.

Volumetric Analysis of Progressive Remodeling of Isolated Mesenteric Artery Dissection Treated by Conservative Therapy

PURPOSE

To characterize remodeling of conservatively treated isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD) using 3-dimensional (3D) volumetric analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with Type I/II (classification of Yun) treated by conservative therapy between January 2018 and January 2020 were prospectively included. Semiautomatic morphological analysis of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) included volumetric measurements of the true lumen (TL), false lumen (FL), and overall lumen (OL) and 3D aortomesenteric angles from computed tomography angiography data at admission (T0), 1 month (T1), and 12 months (T12). The SMA morphology of patients with IMAD (n = 15, mean age 53 years ± 7; 87% men) was also compared with that of control individuals (n = 51, mean age 56 years ± 4; 94% men).

RESULTS

A significant reduction in OL volume was observed (P <.001), whereas TL volume remained stable (P =.23). The TL/OL volume ratio significantly increased over time (P =.001) from 53% at T1 to 78% at T12. Aortomesenteric 3D angles at 2, 4, and 6 cm from the ostium showed a progressive decrease toward values observed in the control group (P =.013, P =.002, and P =.027, respectively). At T12, 5 patients (33%) had complete remodeling, and aneurysmal change was observed in 2 patients (<20 mm). Smoking and SMA angle at a distance of 6 cm from the ostium (T0) were the only factors affecting remodeling negatively at T12.

CONCLUSIONS

One-year remodeling in IMAD followed an overall decrease in OL volume related to a decrease in FL volume. Smokers and patients with larger SMA angles at baseline showed poorer remodeling. Spontaneous arterial remodeling in IMAD might favor conservative therapy.

The Influencing Factors and Prognostic Evaluation in the Treatment Decisions for Acute and Subacute Nondissection-Related Superior Mesenteric Artery Thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

The unclarified treatment strategy for acute and subacute ndSMA-TE limits the therapeutic efficacy and worsens the prognosis. This study aimed to determine the predictive factors impacting the treatment strategy for acute and subacute ndSMA-TE.

METHOD

A database of 116 patients with nonchronic ndSMA-TE admitted between January 2001 and December 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. Univariate/multivariate logistic regression and the predictive models constructed by stepwise backward regression were used to explore the influencing factors of the treatment decisions and the risk factors for failed conservative treatment. The EuroQol-5 Dimension questionnaire was used to evaluate the long-term quality of life.

RESULTS

Only the white blood cell (WBC) levels were significantly different between the conservative group and the surgical group (P = 0.013 < 0 .05, odds ratio (OR) = 1.153, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.038, 1.306]). The WBC levels (P < 0.001, OR = 1.169, 95% CI [1.080, 1.286]) and heart diseases (except atrial fibrillation) (P = 0.011 < 0 .05, OR = 5.116, 95% CI [1.541, 20.452]) were included in the predictive model of the treatment decision. The hemoglobin levels (P = 0.005 < 0 .05, OR = 1.095, 95% CI [1.040, 1.187]) and no flatus or stool (P = 0.007 < 0 .05, OR = 0.031, 95% CI [0.002, 0.296]) were significant risk factors for the conservative treatment outcome. The EuroQol-5 Dimension evaluation demonstrated a fairly high long-term quality of life in both treatment strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated WBC levels, decreased hemoglobin levels, and no flatus or stool can be used as predictive indicators for the surgical treatment of nonchronic ndSMA-TE to avoid a misdiagnosis and an inappropriate treatment.

Analysis of safety and efficacy of conservative treatment and endovascular treatment in patients with spontaneous isolated mesenteric artery dissection

Background

Spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) is a rare disease with abdominal pain as the main clinical manifestation, but its optimal treatment strategy has not yet been determined. Based on this, this study explored a safe and effective treatment method by analyzing and comparing the safety and efficacy of conservative treatment and endovascular treatment in SISMAD patients.

Methods

The clinical and imaging data and treatment effects of 85 patients with SISMAD who were admitted to the General Surgery Department of the 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army from January 2008 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Two groups were treated, the data of patients in conservative treatment group and endovascular treatment group were analyzed, and a safe and effective treatment method for SISMAD was discussed.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 36.58 ± 25.03 months. The success rate of interventional operation was 86.11% (31/36), and the operation failed because the guide wire could not enter the true lumen in four cases. One case was terminated due to poor physical condition of the patient who could not tolerate surgery. There were no significant differences in gender, body mass index, clinical manifestations, and past history between conservative treatment and endovascular treatment (P > 0.05), but in age, superior mesenteric artery-distal aorta angle, distance from the superior mesenteric artery opening to dissection, dissection length, and true lumen stenosis. There was a statistical difference between the two groups in the rate and Yun classification (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Conservative treatment is effective for most symptomatic SISMAD patients, and close monitoring is required; for patients with persistent symptoms and severe true lumen stenosis (especially Yun classification type III), endovascular treatment is preferred; endovascular treatment is mainly based on endovascular bare stent placement. Patients receiving stent implantation may suffer from stent stenosis or occlusion in the long term, and most of them have no obvious symptoms of intestinal ischemia; the prognosis is good.

Case–Control Study of 3D Morphology in Isolated Mesenteric Artery Dissection

INTRODUCTION

Isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD) is uncommon and has not been investigated in detail. This study aimed to accurately identify the morphological differences of IMAD patients with control individuals using a detailed 3D volumetric analysis.

METHODS

In this retrospective case-control study, cases were patients with acute symptomatic IMAD treated in a French intestinal stroke center between January 2016 and November 2019. Case-control matching was (1:3) by age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). The semi-automatic morphological analysis of the mesenteric artery included volumetric measurements of the true and false lumen size, the centerline curvature and the 3D aortomesenteric angles.

RESULTS

Seventeen IMAD cases (mean age 56 ± 4 years, 94% men) were matched with 51 controls. The mean overall lumen (OL) volume was higher in IMAD patients as compared to controls (+ 64%, p < 0.001). In the same way, the mean OL cross-sectional area and diameters were higher in IMAD patients: + 77% for OL area (< 0.001) and + 34% for OL diameters (< 0.001). Meanwhile, no significant difference was found in terms of true lumen (TL) volume (p = 0.16) or cross-sectional area (p = 0.30) between IMAD patients and controls, whereas the mean TL diameter was lower in the IMAD group (p < 0.05). Patients with acute mesenteric ischemia had a lower [TL/OL volume] ratio (45% vs. 59%, p < 0.05) and longer dissections (63 mm vs. 48 mm, p < 0.01). The 3D aortomesenteric angle was significantly higher in IMAD patients at both 2 cm (p < 0.01) and 4 cm (p < 0.05) from the ostium.

CONCLUSION

Using an original 3D semi-automated analysis, this study shows that IMAD induces significant morphological changes compared to control individuals: a larger aortomesenteric 3D angle, an increased overall volume and area. IMAD patients with acute mesenteric ischemia presented with a more severe morphological profile.

Acute Isolated Mesenteric Artery Dissection: Four Year Experience From a French Intestinal Stroke Centre

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to report outcomes of patients with symptomatic acute isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD) treated within a French intestinal stroke centre (ISC).

METHODS

All patients with symptomatic IMAD referred to the ISC from January 2016 to January 2020 were included prospectively. Patients with aortic dissection and asymptomatic IMAD were not included. The standardised medical protocol included anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy, gastrointestinal resting, and oral antibiotics. Operations were considered for acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI).

RESULTS

Among the 453 patients admitted to an ISC during the study period, 34 (median age, 53 years [41 - 67]; 82% men) with acute symptomatic IMAD were included. According to the classification of Yun et al., IMADs were reported as follows: type I (n = 7, 20%), type IIa (n = 6, 18%), type IIb (n = 15, 44%), and type III (i.e., complete superior mesenteric artery [SMA] occlusion; n = 6, 18%). Overall, nine (26%) patients had AMI (type I/II, n = 3; type III, n = 6). On initial computerised tomography angiogram, nine (26%) patients had an associated visceral arterial dissection or pseudoaneurysm. All patients with types I/II (n = 28, 82%) followed a favourable clinical course with conservative therapy, with no need for any operation. All patients with type III (n = 6, 18%) underwent urgent laparotomy with SMA revascularisation (open, n = 4; stenting, n = 1) and or bowel resection (early, n = 3; late, n = 1). Rates of intestinal resection and short bowel syndrome were 12% and 8.8%, respectively. After a median follow up of 26 months [18 - 42], recurrence of symptoms occurred in four (12%) patients and aneurysmal change in 14 (41%), with no re-intervention.

CONCLUSION

Although IMAD was associated with a high frequency of AMI, a standardised protocol produced a low rate of intestinal resection. Conservative therapy seems appropriate in types I/II patients, whereas urgent SMA revascularisation should aim to avoid intestinal resection or death in type III patients.

Management of Patients with Uncomplicated Symptomatic Isolated Mesenteric Artery Dissection: a Multicentre Experience

OBJECTIVE

Isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD) is an increasingly diagnosed disease. However, multicentre studies to support clinical decision making are limited. This multicentre retrospective study aimed to investigate the characteristics, treatment options, and outcomes of IMAD.

METHODS

Data from consecutively enrolled patients with IMAD between October 2009 and May 2021 at three hospitals were collected retrospectively. One hundred and ninety uncomplicated symptomatic IMAD patients were divided into two groups: conservative (n = 141) and operative (n = 49). The costs, length of hospital stay, factors affecting outcomes, symptom relief, and complete remodelling of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were analysed between the two groups.

RESULTS

Compared with patients who received operative treatment, patients receiving conservative treatment had shorter hospital stays (8.2 ± 4.6 vs. 11.9 ± 6.4 day, p < .020) and lower hospital costs (14 900 ± 1 048 vs. 60 400 ± 7 733 yuan, p < .001). In contrast, patients receiving operative treatment showed higher complete SMA remodelling (95.9% vs. 51.8%, p < .001). The cumulative rate of symptom relief was similar between the groups (p = .71). The rates were 78% vs. 79%, 87% vs. 87%, 89% vs. 87% at one, 12, and 60 months in the conservative and operative groups, respectively. Further subgroup analysis showed that endovascular treatment of IMAD had the advantage of shorter hospital stays than open surgery (10.7 ± 4.5 vs. 25.2 ± 9.4 days, p < .010). Univariable analysis showed that Sakamoto type II was associated with failed complete SMA remodelling (odds ratio 0.34; 95% confidence intervals 0.13 - 0.91; p = .031).

CONCLUSION

IMAD patients achieved good long term survival and symptom relief regardless of the treatment. Sakamoto type II IMAD is a risk factor for failed complete SMA remodelling. Although endovascular treatment provided a higher rate of complete SMA remodelling, the conservative group had statistically significantly shorter hospital stays, lower hospital costs, and similar cumulative rates of symptom relief. Therefore, this study supports conservative treatment as the main strategy for uncomplicated symptomatic IMAD patients.

Correlation of Riolan's arch diameter to treatment choice in patients with isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the diameter changes of Riolan's arch in patients with isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISMAD) and to evaluate the implication for treatment selection.

METHODS

Ninety-five patients with CT angiography (CTA) confirmed ISMAD were retrospectively included, and another 95 cases with no positive findings on abdominal CTA were included as controls. According to the treatment methods, the patients were subsequently divided into conservative treatment (n = 68) or invasive treatment (n = 27) subgroups. According to the initial CTA images, the prevalence of Riolan's arch as well as its diameter (D_R) were determined in each subject, and compared between ISMAD and control cases, as well as between patients with different treatments. In patients with ISMAD, dissections were classified according to the Li classification.

RESULTS

Riolan's arch prevalence and D_R were significantly elevated in the ISMAD group compared with the control group (83.16% vs. 35.79%, P < 0.001; 2.63 ± 0.56 mm vs. 2.12 ± 0.39 mm, P < 0.001). Patients with invasive treatment had significantly higher baseline D_R (2.93 ± 0.57 mm vs. 1.89 ± 1.14 mm, P < 0.001), and higher proportion of high-risk dissection (P < 0.001) than those administered conservative treatment. Binary logistic regression revealed D_R (OR = 2.771, 95% CI 1.157-6.638, P = 0.022) and Li classification (OR = 0.107, 95% CI 0.019-0.586, P = 0.010) were independent risk factors for treatment selection. With cutoff of 2.635 mm, the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.805, 0.778 and 0.794, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Dilation of Riolan's arch is common in patients with ISMAD, and Riolan's arch diameter could be a convenient indicator of disease severity and inform subsequent treatment.

Natural Course and Treatment of Symptomatic Spontaneous Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection with Total True Lumen Occlusion

OBJECTIVE

We retrospectively investigated the association between the imaging features of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) accompanied by total true lumen occlusion and the clinical symptoms to identify the patients at high risk and establish personalized therapeutic options.

METHODS

Among 261 patients with SISMAD, we selected 37 with Yun's type III dissection; 35 patients underwent successful conservative management and 2 patients underwent exploratory laparotomy. After discharge, all patients were periodically followed up on an outpatient basis. We recorded patients' general condition, symptoms, time until symptom relief, imaging findings and follow-up results.

RESULTS

All patients experienced acute abdominal pain prior to admission, with an onset time of 29.95 ± 24.66 hours. The mean time until relief of abdominal pain in patients who received conservative treatment was 42.17 ± 38.09 hours. Correlation analysis revealed no correlation between the length of dissection or of the occluded segment and abdominal pain intensity. Pain scores were lower and time until pain relief was shorter in patients with a definite arc of Riolan (AOR) on admission than in those without an AOR. No collateral circulation was observed in the two patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy, and distal intestinal perfusion was poor in these cases. Complete and partial remodeling of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was observed in 6 and 16 patients, respectively at the 12-month follow-up. Although the SMA remained occluded in 12 patients, abundant collateral circulation was detected. Three patients were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that conservative treatment should be attempted as first-line therapy in most patients with Yun's type III SISMAD. Complete AOR can contribute to remission of clinical symptoms during the acute stage. Poor distal blood flow of occluded vessels may serve as an important indicator for identification of patients at high risk of ischemic intestinal necrosis.

Management of Spontaneous Isolated Mesenteric Artery Dissection: A Systematic Review

Background and Aims:

There are increasing reports on case series on spontaneous isolated mesenteric artery dissection, that is, dissections of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac artery, mainly due to improved diagnostic capacity of high-resolution computed tomography angiography performed around the clock. A few case–control studies are now available, while randomized controlled trials are awaited.

Material and Methods:

The present systematic review based on 97 original studies offers a comprehensive overview on risk factors, management, conservative therapy, morphological modeling of dissection, and prognosis.

Results and Conclusions:

Male gender, hypertension, and smoking are risk factors for isolated mesenteric artery dissection, while the frequency of diabetes mellitus is reported to be low. Large aortomesenteric angle has also been considered to be a factor for superior mesenteric artery dissection. The overwhelming majority of patients can be conservatively treated without the need of endovascular or open operations. Conservative therapy consists of blood pressure lowering therapy, analgesics, and initial bowel rest, whereas there is no support for antithrombotic agents. Complete remodeling of the dissection after conservative therapy was found in 43% at mid-term follow-up. One absolute indication for surgery and endovascular stenting of the superior mesenteric artery is development of peritonitis due to bowel infarction, which occurs in 2.1% of superior mesenteric artery dissections and none in celiac artery dissections. The most documented end-organ infarction in celiac artery dissections is splenic infarctions, which occurs in 11.2%, and is a condition that should be treated conservatively. The frequency of ruptured pseudoaneurysm in the superior mesenteric artery and celiac artery dissection is very rare, 0.4%, and none of these patients were in shock at presentation. Endovascular therapy with covered stents should be considered in these patients.

Clinical Manifestations of Symptomatic Spontaneous Dissection of the Celiac and Superior Mesenteric Arteries

Purpose

Spontaneous isolated dissection of the celiac artery (SID-CA) and superior mesenteric artery (SID-SMA) are rare vascular diseases with similar presentation, yet comparative studies have not been reported. In this study, we compared their characteristics with the aim of providing insights into their etiology.

Methods

Materials and Patients diagnosed with symptomatic SID-CA and SID-SMA between July 2009 and December 2018 were included. Demographics, clinical presentation, radiologic findings, treatment strategies, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Twenty-one patients with SID-CA and 40 patients with SID-SMA were compared. Demographics and initial abdominal pain characteristics were similar, but pain severity was significantly higher and associated mean fasting time was significantly longer in patients with SID-CA than in those with SID-SMA (fasting time 3.2 vs 2.1 days, P=0.001). Most patients were successfully treated conservatively without recurrent pain or aneurysmal dilatation, but 33.3% patients with SID-CA and 17.5% with SID-SMA required endovascular intervention. More favorable remodeling in terms of dissection regression on follow-up computed tomography was found after stenting, where patients with SID-CA showed better remodeling than those with SID-SMA. The overall median follow-up period was 22-31 months, while for patients with stent insertion, it was 55-77 months, and no stent occlusions were found during this period.

Conclusion

Patients with SID-CA presented with severer and longer-duration abdominal pain than those with SID-SMA. Stenting in both groups showed good long-term patency and favorable remodeling, with a higher regression rate for SID-CA. Based on our results, patients with SID-CA may benefit more from active endovascular intervention.

Primary Conservative Therapy for Symptomatic Isolated Mesenteric Artery Dissection with Severely Compressed True Lumen or Large Dissecting Aneurysm

PURPOSE

To investigate the safety and effectiveness of primary conservative therapy for patients with symptomatic isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD) with a severely compressed true lumen and/or a large dissecting aneurysm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 35 consecutive patients (all men; median age, 53 y) with symptomatic IMAD with a severely compressed true lumen and/or a large dissecting aneurysm but without intestinal necrosis or arterial rupture who were treated with primary conservative therapy between November 2018 and February 2020 were assessed. A severely compressed true lumen was defined as luminal stenosis > 70%. A large dissecting aneurysm was defined as dissecting aneurysm diameter ≥ 1.5 times larger than the normal mesenteric artery diameter.

RESULTS

There was a strong positive relationship among abdominal pain, degree of luminal stenosis, and length of dissection (R = 0.811; P < .001). Conservative treatment was successful in all patients. Abdominal pain was eliminated within 4.7 d ± 4.8 (range, 2-31 d) in all patients, within 3.6 d ± 1.2 (range, 2-6) in the 31 patients with minor or moderate abdominal pain, and within 13.3 d ± 11.9 (range, 6-31 d) in the 4 patients with severe abdominal pain. Complete or partial remodeling of the mesenteric artery was achieved in 6 (17.1%) and 29 (82.9%) patients, respectively, during 8.6 mo ± 4.3 of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary conservative therapy can be used safely and effectively in patients with symptomatic IMAD with a severely compressed true lumen and/or a large dissecting aneurysm but without intestinal necrosis or arterial rupture.

Management of Symptomatic Spontaneous Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection: A Single Centre Experience with Mid Term Follow Up

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to report a single centre management experience and mid term outcomes for symptomatic spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD).

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study. Between 1 August 2012, and 30 June 2018, consecutive patients with symptomatic SISMAD were included. Patient demographics, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, risk factors, and dissection characteristics were obtained. The treatment regimens and clinical and follow up outcomes were reviewed and analysed. A chi square test, Fisher's exact test, or one way analysis of variance was used to compare variables between the groups. Binary logistic regression was used to determine predictive factors for failed conservative treatment. The cumulative rate of complete dissection remodelling was calculated using a Kaplan-Meier curve.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients (mean age, 56.0 ± 9.3 years) were included. Patients at risk of intestinal ischaemia or dissecting aneurysm rupture were considered to be high risk patients (Group 1, n = 16) and received primary endovascular treatment. The remaining patients were considered low risk (Group 2, n = 46) and received primary conservative treatment. Symptom relief was observed in 82.6% of patients in Group 2. Finally, failed conservative treatment was observed in 50% of the low risk patients. Dissection length ≥50 mm was an independent risk factor for failed conservative treatment (p = .019; OR 4.68, 95% CI 1.29-16.98). During a median follow up of 30.5 months (interquartile range, 17.5, 58.3), patients with stents had a higher complete dissection remodelling rate than those without stents.

CONCLUSION

This study found that conservative treatment showed satisfactory symptom resolution for low risk SISMAD patients. Endovascular stenting was associated with a high technical success and dissection remodelling rate. This treatment modality might be reserved for patients with high risk SISMAD or failed conservative treatment. In addition, a dissection length ≥50 mm was a risk factor for failed conservative treatment.

Mid-term outcomes of symptomatic isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection with endovascular management

OBJECTIVES

The clinical outcomes, safety, and efficacy of endovascular management are explored for symptomatic isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISMAD).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 51 consecutive patients with symptomatic ISMAD received endovascular management from three institutions between January 2011 and December 2019.These patients were categorized into group A (endovascular treatment was used as the first-line therapy) and group B(endovascular treatment was used as the second-line therapy). The general epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, first-episode symptoms, treatment process, imaging findings, follow-up outcomes were analyzed from the medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients with endovascular management were collected in this study. Significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to the course (150 h vs. 57 h; p < 0.001), intestinal ischemia (26.32% vs. 6,25%; p = 0.04) and dissection length (45.26 ± 13.78 mm vs. 63.37 ± 12.73 mm; p < 0.001). Technical success rate was 90.2% (46/51). There was significant difference in the MOD (42.27 ± 23.41 min vs. 76.63 ± 28.62 min p < 0.001), MPSRT (4.67 ± 2.65 h vs. 7.32 ± 2.49 h, p = 0.02), LOS (9.52 ± 3.72 days vs. 11.86 ± 4.13 days; p = 0.01) between the two groups. The bleeding complication rate was 7.84% (one patient in group A and three patients in group B). A total of 48 (94.12%, 48/51) patients were followed up for a median of 36.51 months (range, 4-87 months). Positive events of the SMA were achieved in 81.25% (39/48), and negative events of the SMA were achieved in 18.75% (8/48) based on the follow-up contrast-enhanced CT scan.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular management of symptomatic ISMAD has a high technical success rate and efficient at controlling symptoms. Furthermore, as more positive events occur, endovascular management should be encouraged early when pain persists after conservative management or there are signs of disease progression.

Outcomes and radiographic findings of symptomatic isolated mesenteric artery dissection with conservative management

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the computed tomography follow-up outcomes and radiographic findings of symptomatic isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD) after conservative management.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 130 consecutive patients with symptomatic IMAD from three institutions were enrolled from January 2011 to December 2019. The general epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, first-episode symptoms, imaging findings, and treatment strategy selection were analyzed from the medical records.

RESULTS

Among 130 patients diagnosed with symptomatic IMAD, positive remodeling of the SMA was achieved in 75.38% (98/130), and negative remodeling of the SMA was achieved in 24.62% (32/130). In the positive remodeling group, complete remodeling was achieved 39.23% (51/130) (type I 6 patients, type IIa 10 patients, type IIb 35 patients), in which type IIb was the most (p = 0.004). Moreover, of the 32 patients in whom negative remodeling of the SMA was achieved, significant differences were observed between the type IIa with respect to dissecting aneurysm formation (p = 0.04).Of the seven factors analyzed with a logistic regression model identified three factors significantly associated with negative remodeling: length of dissection (Waldχ² 13.331; OR 6.945; 95% CI 2.762-10.498; p = 0.014), true lumen residual diameter (TLRD) (Waldχ² 9.626; OR 7.85; 95% CI 1.892-19.063; p = 0.022), and branch involvement (Waldχ2 11.812; OR 7.247; 95% CI 1.245-14.830; p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

The prognosis of most symptomatic IMAD has a tendency to positive remodeling after conservative management, in which the initial type IIb classification is common. In contrast, risk factors for negative remodeling were type IIa, length of dissection, TLRD, and branch involvement. Patients with these morphological characteristics may not benefit from conservative management.

Combination of Colour Duplex and Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound as an Alternative to Computed Tomography Angiography in Isolated Mesenteric Artery Dissection Surveillance

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of colour duplex ultrasound (CDU) plus contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) vs. computed tomography angiography (CTA) for surveillance in patients with isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD).

METHODS

Patients who underwent CDU, CEUS, and CTA for surveillance of IMAD between January 2012 and May 2019 were included in the study. The accuracy of CDU, CEUS, and CTA for determining the morphological characteristics of IMAD was analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 42 patients undergoing 76 total imaging examinations during follow up were included. Both CTA and CDU plus CEUS demonstrated the thrombosed false lumen for 28 (36.8%) examinations and the dissecting aneurysm for 20 (26.3%) examinations (both κ = 1.0). The diameter of the dissecting aneurysm was 5.03 ± 1.25 mm using CDU and CEUS vs. 5.27 ± 1.23 mm on CTA (coefficient of consistency, 0.997; p < .001). The entry points were visualised by CDU and CEUS for 20 (26.3%) examinations and by CTA for 14 (18.4%) examinations (κ = 0.769); no re-entry points were visualised by CDU and CEUS for any examinations but re-entry points were visualised by CTA for two (2.6%) examinations. The minimum inner diameter was 2.80 ± 1.30 mm on CDU and CEUS vs. 2.52 ± 1.29 mm on CTA (coefficient of consistency, 0.999; p < .001). The peak systolic velocities were 128.2 ± 13.0 cm/s at diagnosis and 98.7 ± 4.9 cm/s after one month (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of CDU and CEUS can be used in place of CTA for the surveillance of IMAD.