Intramural dissection of superior mesenteric artery. A complication of attempted renal artery balloon dilation.

A patient with a right renal artery stenosis and renovascular hypertension was admitted for balloon dilation of the stenotic artery. During the procedure the catheter entered the superior mesenteric artery and caused a mural dissection and occlusion, which was successfully treated by endarterectomy and vein patch angioplasty. Delayed ischemia of the transverse colon required resection and colostomy, but the patient recovered fully after colostomy closure and cholecystectomy were performed.