The Value of Angiography in Superior Mesenteric Artery Embolism

Abstract

Three patients surviving superior mesenteric artery embolism by bowel resection, embolectomy and spontaneous fibrinolysis respectively are presented. The significance of angiography in the diagnosis and the preoperatlve evaluation of the bowel circulation is stressed. Angiographic control was also important in excluding post-arteriotomy thrombosis in 1 patient, and in providing information about the natural course in 1 patient treated conservatively.