Chatterjee T, Stephens J, Roy M. Segmental Arterial Mediolysis: An Under-Recognized Cause of Chronic Abdominal Pain.
Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2020;
7:001830. [PMID:
33083366 DOI:
10.12890/2020_001830]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a non-inflammatory, non-atherosclerotic vasculopathy mostly involving the abdominal arteries. SAM was recently recognized as a more prevalent aetiology of abdominal pain than initially thought by healthcare providers. It is still a commonly missed diagnosis in patients with recurrent emergency room (ER) visits for abdominal pain. Most published case reports in the past have highlighted catastrophic sequelae such as intra-abdominal haemorrhage requiring surgical intervention. We report a case of SAM where the diagnosis was initially missed. After diagnosis, conservative medical management was offered which led to clinical improvement.
LEARNING POINTS
To recognize segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) as a cause of chronic abdominal pain in the middle-aged and elderly population.To differentiate SAM from inflammatory vasculitis and atherosclerotic conditions.For cases with mild symptoms and haemodynamic stability, conservative management such as early lifestyle modifications, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia control and regular imaging follow-up should be offered.
Collapse