Acute Mesenterial Ischaemia Following Percutaneous Angioplasty of the External Iliac Artery in a Patient with Extensive Atherosclerosis

Introduction

Subintimal angioplasty is a well-recognised treatment method for stenosis and occlusions in peripheral arterial occlusive disease. In patients with extensive atherosclerosis, large pelvic collateral networks may signify concomitant mesenterial artery disease.

Case report

We describe a patient in whom a percutaneous subintimal angioplasty of the external iliac artery was complicated by acute bowel ischaemia due to occlusion of important mesenteric collaterals. After urgent bypass surgery, the patient made a full recovery.

Conclusion

This report emphasises the importance of recognising mesenteric collateral formation from the iliac arteries in endovascular procedures, as the mesenterial vascularisation may depend heavily on it.