Imaging of spontaneous isolated dissection of the splanchnic arteries

Spontaneous visceral arterial dissection, in particular isolated dissection of the celiac artery, is rare. Isolated arterial dissection, which occurs without aortic dissection, has been reported in carotid and renal arteries but rarely in visceral arteries. It is often discovered incidentally during a medical examination, but usually occurs as acute abdomen. Risk factors include atherosclerotic disease, hypertension, fibromuscular dysplasia, cystic medial necrosis, trauma, pregnancy, and connective tissue disorders;however, in most cases, the cause is unclear. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment strategy. Multidetector computed tomography is useful not only for accurate diagnosis in isolated splanchnic artery dissection but also when considering its treatment. Cases of acute intestinal ischemia or aneurysmal changes can be treated surgically. Here, we show some images of arterial dissection and review the literature.