Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm associated with chronic mesenteric ischemia in absence of identifiable risk factors and review of current literature

Visceral artery aneurysms, particularly those of the superior mesenteric artery, are rare entities that can present with thrombosis and subsequent mesenteric ischemia. Most such aneurysms are classically associated with inflammatory and/or infectious etiologies, atherosclerosis, and connective tissue diseases. We present a case of an otherwise healthy 45-year-old male patient with no significant medical history or risk factors presenting with several months of abdominal pain who was subsequently found to have a symptomatic superior mesenteric artery aneurysm. Following discovery, the patient received systemic anticoagulation and later underwent open repair with an uncomplicated postoperative course.