Superior Mesenteric Arterial Embolism Associated with an Acute Limb Ischemia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: Acute mesenteric ischemia due to an embolism of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is associated with a high mortality rate. Over twenty per cent of acute mesenteric embolism cases consist of multiple emboli. Case Presentation: We present a rare case of a 62-year-old man admitted with acute abdominal pain and signs of intestinal occlusion related to an acute mesenteric ischemia due to superior mesenteric arterial embolism. It was associated with a synchronous acute bilateral lower limb ischemia due to embolic arterial occlusion. He underwent an emergency explorative laparotomy with proximal jejunal resection, and the patient made an excellent recovery. As for the acute limb ischemia, it was treated by efficient anticoagulation allowing limb salvage. Conclusion: When treating a superior mesenteric arterial embolism, the possibility of recurrent or multiple arterial thromboembolic events should be considered. A prompt diagnosis, aggressive surgical treatment and intensive care could improve the prognosis.