Early Detection of Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection by Ultrasound: Two Case Reports

Impact of Breathing Control Training Program on sonographic quantification of abdominal vasculature

OBJECTIVES

To compare vascular scanning parameters (vessel diameter, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and resistive index) and scanning time before and after breathing control training program for selected abdominal vessels.

METHODS

This study was pre and post quasi-experimental. The researchers designed a breathing training program that gives participants instructions through a video describing breathing maneuvers. Data were collected at the ultrasound laboratory/College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from January 2023 to November 2023. About 49 volunteers at the university participated in the study. Scanning was performed two times for the right renal artery, upper abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, and superior mesenteric artery. Scanning time was measured before and after the program as well. A paired sample t-test was used to compare the parameters means and time before and after the program.

RESULTS

The program had a significant effect on the following parameters: right renal artery peak systolic velocity (p=0.042), upper abdominal aortic peak systolic velocity, and resistive index (p=0.014, p=0.014 respectively), superior mesenteric artery and inferior vena cava diameters (p=0.010 and p=0.020). The scanning time was reduced significantly (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The breathing training program saves time and improves ultrasound measurement quality. Hospitals and health centers should consider the importance of breathing control training programs before abdominal scanning.

Diagnosis of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection with ultrasound: A case report

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) is a rare disease that originates from the superior mesenteric artery, without the presence of aortic and other arterial dissections. Most cases are diagnosed using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), whereas the application of ultrasound is less common.

CASE SUMMARY

Here, we report a case of SISMAD with sudden epigastric pain that worsened as the main symptom after eating. The patient had a long history of hypertension with unknown blood pressure control but no history of smoking or alcohol consumption. This case was initially diagnosed using ultrasound and the results were later confirmed by CECT. After admission, the patient fasted, followed by parenteral nutrition support and fluid supplementation to maintain electrolyte and acid–base balance. Metoprolol succinate sustained-release tablets and aspirin were given as nonoperative treatments. After 1 wk, the symptoms improved, and the patient was discharged. During telephone follow-up, the patient did not develop similar symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Whether ultrasound can be used as a routine and noninvasive imaging method for the diagnosis of SISMAD needs further exploration.