Spontaneous Renal Artery, Superior Mesenteric Artery and Distal Splenic Artery Thrombosis: An Unusual Case of Acute Abdomen

Dr. Rohan Jambhulkar | Dr Amit Pendor

Abstract: Thrombosis of splanchnic arteries is a significant life threatening cause of acute abdominal pain in adults and is associated with high morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed promptly and treated adequately. Often various radiological modalities like USG and CT are required to confirm the diagnosis. Thrombosis of mesenteric arteries leads to hypoxic ischemia of target organs like bowel which if not treated promptly leads to bowel infarction and gangrene formation. Low blood supply as compared to surface area and absence of collaterals make it further prone to ischemia. Other factors like hypercoagulable states also play a role. Aim: To study spontaneous renal artery, superior mesenteric artery and distal splenic artery thrombosis as a cause of acute abdominal pain in a patient presenting with abdominal distension, vomiting and loose motions. Material and Method: 40 yr old female patient presenting in surgical emergency department of SCSM Hospital Solapur. Procedure: Initially USG Abdomen was performed for the complaints of severe pain in abdomen and abdominal distension. Upon presence of specific findings, CECT Abdomen was performed on request. Axial scan (slice thickness 1mm) was taken with patient in supine position starting from the dome of diaphragm upto pubic symphysis. Scan was repeated after administration of 80cc of Iodinated non ionic contrast at flow rate 4cc/sec. Then arterial and portovenous phase images were acquired. Thin 1mm reformatted images were acquired in coronal and sagittal planes.

Keywords: CECT, USG, Spontaneous Thrombosis, Mesenteric artery

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023,

Pages: 39 - 41