The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) provides vital blood supply to the intestine, and an acute obstruction causes bowel ischemia and infarction which is frequently fatal.

A delay in diagnosis results in an extremely high mortality rate due to extensive intestinal necrosis. Successful resection of necrotic intestine can cause short bowel syndrome, severely impairing quality of life.

Enhanced CT is useful for early diagnosis of acute SMA occlusion. When acute SMA occlusion is suspected from the history, lab results and examination, enhanced CT plays a role not only in identifying the site and cause of the blockage, but also in determining the subsequent treatment plan.

Primary endovascular therapy for acute embolic SMA occlusion was unsuccessful, necessitating emergency laparotomy.