Self-limited spontaneous dissection of the main trunk of the superior mesenteric artery.

Spontaneous dissection of the splanchnic arteries is rare and reportedly carries a high risk of mortality. Two cases with spontaneous dissection of the main trunk of the superior mesenteric artery followed by a self-limited clinical course are presented. Current management strategies, including bypass operation, patch angioplasty, and conservative treatments, are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the role of nonsurgical management with careful follow-up with the use of new technologies such as duplex and computed tomography scanning.