Open and endovascular treatment for pseudoaneurysms of the superior mesenteric artery.

Background: Pseudoaneurysms of the superior mesenteric artery are rare, and their natural history is characterized by their tendency to rupture, thereby leading to a high mortality rate. Compared with classic surgical techniques (open), in recent years the possibility of endovascular treatment has increased.
Results: We report the cases of two patients with a pseudoaneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery. Each case was successfully treated in a different way: open and endovascular surgery.
Conclusion: Despite the advantages (less risk for the patient) and good results obtained with endovascular surgery, this cannot completely replace open surgery. The choice of the most appropriate therapeutic option for pseudoaneurysms of the superior mesenteric artery depends on the state of the patient and the characteristics of the lesion. Open and endovascular surgical techniques are complementary, not mutually exclusive, techniques.
(Copyright (c) 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.)