Menias, Christine O.

Introduction: Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is nonatherosclerotic and noninflammatory arteriopathy. It commonly affects the abdominal vasculature. There is uncertainty about its presentation, radiological findings, prognosis and management. Hypothesis: The goal of this study is to describe the clinical course and evaluate risk factors for disease progression. Method: Retrospective review of all cases diagnosed with SAM at the Mayo clinic between 2001 and 2014. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, risk factors, laboratory, imaging findings and treatment options at presentation and during follow-up visits. A non-parametric Wilcoxon-rank-sum test and the Chi-Square test were used. Results: Out of 247 reviewed cases, 114 patients were confirmed with SAM and included in the analysis. (69%) were male and a majority (84%) had no other connective tissue disorder. Mean age was (52) years old. Pre-existing hypertension was identified in (48%), hyperlipidemia (31%), migraine (11%) and smoking (32%). The most common symptoms at presentation were abdominal pain (70%), flank pain (21%), back pain (8%) and chest pain (5%). Only (30%) of patients had recurrent symptoms and most (89%) had negative inflammatory markers. On angiography the following arteries were commonly affected: renal (51%), celiac (43%), superior mesenteric (49%), and iliac (18%). At presentation (85%) of patients were found to have mesenteric arterial dissection; (45%) aneurysms; (14%) wind or wall thickening; (21%) occlusion; and (38%) with evidence of end organ ischemia or infarct. 82 patients were followed up with a CT angiogram for an average of 19 months, 17 (20.73%) had evidence of disease progression. (22%) required revascularization. Aspirin (47%) was the most common treatment used followed by anticoagulation (38%), beta blocker (35%) and ACEI/ARB (29%). Risk factors for disease progression are being male (P<0.0173), Hypertension (P<0.0128), hyperlipidemia (P<= 0.0044). The use of antiplatelets and ACEI/ARB was not associated with disease stability. Conclusion: SAM is an arteriopathy that affects the mesenteric arteries in middle age men. Conservative management with control of risk factors and close follow up are preferred approach.

Abstract Gastrointestinal (GI) tract and mesenteric vascular lesions can have various clinical presentations, of which GI bleeding is the most common. This collection of pathology is highly variable in etiology ranging from occlusive disease to vascular malformations to trauma to neoplasms which makes for a challenging workup and diagnosis. The advent of multiple imaging modalities and endoscopic techniques makes the diagnosis of these lesions more achievable, and familiarity with their various imaging findings can have a significant impact on patient management. In this article, we review the gamut of GI tract and mesenteric vascular lesions and their associated imaging findings.