Spontaneous dissection of the celiac artery: a case report

Abstract

Spontaneous dissection of visceral arteries is rare in the absence of concurrent dissection of the aorta, iatrogenic injury from instrumentation, or trauma. We describe a spontaneous dissection of the celiac artery that was identified by computed tomographic scan in an otherwise healthy man with acute onset abdominal pain and no identifiable causes of dissection. The patient was successfully managed medically. Although endovascular treatment or surgical intervention is the procedure of choice for complicated cases, medical management with close observation is an acceptable management strategy for stable, uncomplicated cases of spontaneous celiac artery dissection.