Reversible 'unstable' abdominal angina caused by ruptured plaque of the superior mesenteric artery: clinical and radiological correlations
  • Shaul Yaari
    Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
  • Nurith Hiller
    Department of Radiology, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
  • Yacov Samet
    Department of Vascular Surgery, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
  • Samuel Noam Heyman
    Department of Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel

Keywords

Mesenteric ischemia, abdominal angina, atherosclerosis, unstable angina, superior mesenteric artery, atheromatous plaque

Abstract

Unstable angina, characteristic of coronary artery disease, is caused by in-situ clot formation complicating ruptured atheromatous plaque. Abdominal angina, however, usually reflects chronic mesenteric ischaemia, caused by multi-vessel stable plaques involving mesenteric arteries. Herein, we describe a patient with new-onset abdominal pain caused by a ruptured atheromatous plaque at the superior mesenteric root. The diagnosis was based on an evident reversible epigastric bruit and high-degree eccentric stenosis caused by a non-calcified atheroma. Symptoms and bruit resolved within 3 weeks on aspirin and statins with regression of the stenotic lesion. Although the condition is likely common, this is the first clear-cut report compatible with 'unstable' abdominal angina, resolved by conservative treatment.

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    Published: 2023-04-06
    Issue: 2023: Vol 10 No 4 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Yaari S, Hiller N, Samet Y, Heyman SN. Reversible ’unstable’ abdominal angina caused by ruptured plaque of the superior mesenteric artery: clinical and radiological correlations. EJCRIM 2023;10 doi:10.12890/2023_003766.

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