Isolated vascular injuries are rare in cases of blunt abdominal trauma, and superior mesenteric artery injury is extremely rare but potentially lethal. The incidence of this kind of life-threatening injury has increased in recent years. The diagnosis of these isolated injuries is difficult, and its delay is associated with a higher morbidity and mortality. The authors report on the case of a child with an isolated injury of the superior mesenteric artery caused by a lap belt, during a motor-vehicle crash which was successfully managed.
Isolated vascular injuries are rare in cases of blunt abdominal trauma, and superior mesenteric artery injury is extremely rare but potentially lethal. The incidence of this kind of life-threatening injury has increased in recent years. The diagnosis of these isolated injuries is difficult, and its delay is associated with a higher morbidity and mortality. The authors report on the case of a child with an isolated injury of the superior mesenteric artery caused by a lap belt, during a motor-vehicle crash which was successfully managed.