Superior mesenteric artery aneurysms: a case report.

Aneurysms of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) are rare, accounting for 8% of visceral artery aneurysms. Aneurysms at the site are very liable to rupture, irrespective of size, and may be difficult to manage even in the elective situation. The fact that 50-60% of SMA aneurysms are mycotic has important implications in the selection of the appropriate surgical procedure. In this paper we report a case of an SMA aneurysm diagnosed at the time of impending rupture and treated successfully. The aetiology, mode of presentation, diagnosis and management of SMA aneurysms are discussed.