A Miraculous Save: Gangrenous Bowel and Meckle's Diverticulum With Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Thrombosis

Cureus. 2024 Jan 25;16(1):e52947. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52947. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Abstract

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is vital for parts of the small intestine and ascending colon. Thrombosis of this major artery is a severe and potentially fatal condition involving the occlusion of the arterial vascular supply, causing ischemia predisposing to gangrene. Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital outpouching in the lower part of the small intestine. The condition of gangrenous meckels diverticulum is, therefore, even more limited. This study presents a unique case of a 45-year-old male with coexisting features of SMA thrombus with acute small bowel intestinal obstruction. During the study, the patient was found to have sickle cell anemia with an AS pattern, which may have predisposed the formation of a thrombus. The patient underwent sequential management of active thrombus by thrombolysis first, followed by resection anastomosis for gangrenous bowel. With precise monitoring and therapeutic care, the patient made a remarkable recovery. The condition possesses a high mortality rate. Prompt recognition and timely intervention in this case are of utmost significance.

Keywords: anastomotic leak after gastrointestinal surgery; gangrenous meckels diverticulum; meckels diverticulum; resection and anastomosis; small bowel obstruction; superior artery thrombus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports