CASE REPORT Open Access Endovascular treatment of a Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome variant secondary to traumatic pseudoaneurysm

Pseudoaneurysms related to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) are a recognised complication of trauma to the vessel, and successful treatment with stenting has been previously described. We report the case of a patient who presented with obstruction of the fourth part of the duodenum secondary to a traumatic pseudoaneurysm, a hitherto unreported variant of superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm and relief of the duodenal obstruction were simultaneously achieved by placement of a covered stent. Background Superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but recognised complication of traumatic injury to the artery [1-8]. It is caused by a full thickness breach of the artery wall. Other recognised causes include pancreatitis and iatrogenic events. It may also occur spontaneously. The condition is important as the risk of rupture is high and carries a significant mortality rate [1]. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is more widel