An Unusual Case of Trauma: Pseudo Aneurysm of Superior Mesenteric Artery after Parachute Jumping

Abstract

Pseudo aneurysms of visceral arteries which occur due to blunt abdominal trauma are rare. There are different modalities of blunt abdominal trauma which are seen in seat belt injuries secondary to motor vehicle accidents. We present the case of a 39 year old woman with history of abdominal pain and vomiting following a parachute jump. She was diagnosed with a pseudo aneurysm of superior mesenteric artery. She underwent open exploration and a vein interposition graft was used for the repair of the pseudo aneurysm. The pseudo aneurysm of superior mesenteric artery after a parachute jump has never been reported earlier. This case report highlights the possibility of pseudo aneurysm of superior mesenteric artery even in car seat belt injuries as the mechanism of injury is comparable in both.