Diagnostic value of color Doppler sonography for spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection

The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of color Doppler sonography (CDS) in the diagnosis of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD). The ultrasonographic images of 19 patients with SISMAD confirmed by computed tomography angiography (CTA) were retrospectively analyzed and the ultrasonographic features were summarized. The paired t-test was used to statistically analyze the differences in parameters determined by CTA vs. CDS, including the minimal inner diameter (MID), cross-sectional area (CSA), diameter and area stenosis rate, and flow rate of the true lumen. Of the 19 patients, 18 (94.7%) were diagnosed with SISMAD with correct classification by CDS. There was no significant difference between CTA and CDS with regard to minimal ID, CSA, diameter stenosis and area stenosis rate, and flow rate of the true lumen (all P>0.05). CDS was indicated to be an effective imaging modality for the diagnosis of SISMAD.