Spontaneous dissection of the celiac artery.

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