Isolated Spontaneous Dissection of the Celiac Artery with Aneurysm Formation

Abstract

An isolated spontaneous dissection of the visceral arteries is rare in the absence of a concurrent dissection of the aorta, iatrogenic injury from instrumentation, or trauma. Spontaneous dissection of a visceral artery, including the superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, and the celiac artery (CA) without aortic dissection, is an uncommon occurrence. The isolated CA dissection is the least commonly reported. We describe an isolated spontaneous dissection of the CA with aneurysm formation. It was identified by multidetector computed tomography (CT) in a man with acute onset abdominal pain and a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The patient was successfully managed medically. Although endovascular treatment or surgical intervention is the procedure of choice for complex cases, medical management with close observation is an acceptable management strategy for stable and uncomplicated cases of spontaneous CA dissection.