SPONTANEOUS DISSECTION OF THE CELIAC ARTERY

We describe a case of intestinal angina caused by spontaneous dissecti on of the celiac artery and thrombosis of the superior mesenteric arte ry. Spontaneous dissection of a visceral artery is an uncommon occurre nce that is usually diagnosed after fatal hemorrhage or ischemia. The underlying mechanism is unclear but the frequent association with mult iple arterial lesions suggests general arterial disease. In symptomati c forms, surgical reconstruction is mandatory, to treat the lesion and allow definitive histological diagnosis.