Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcomes of endovascular bare stenting in patients with symptomatic isolated superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection (ISMAD).
Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis which included a total of 9 patients with symptomatic ISMAD (7 males and 2 females, age range: 48-67 years) who were treated with endovascular bare stenting. Data regarding basic patient clinical characteristics, e-technical success of the operation, and long-term patient outcomes were assessed.
Results: Endovascular bare stenting was found to be technically successful in all patients. A total of 9 stents were inserted in these 9 patients. Five patients presented with stable false lumen and 4 patients presented with shrinking of false lumen after stenting. Both the trunk and branches of the SMA remained patent in all patients after stent insertion. There was no incidence of procedure-related complications, with all patients experiencing progressive symptom relief and subsequent symptom abatement within 1 week of the operation. Over a median 24 month follow-up period (range: 12-36 months), abdominal computed tomographic angiography revealed that all patients had obliterated dissections. In addition, there were no instances of stent obstruction, intestinal necrosis, or antiplatelet related bleeding during the follow-up period.
Conclusions: Endovascular bare stenting was found to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with ISMAD.
Keywords: bare stent; dissection; superior mesenteric artery.