CT Angiography Followed by Endovascular Intervention for Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Occlusion does not Increase Risk of Contrast-Induced Renal Failure

ObjectivesAcute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion can be diagnosed in an early phase by computed tomography (CT) angiography, which is also a prerequisite for endovascular intervention. However, the issue of development of postoperative permanent renal failure due to contrast-induced nephropathy has not been evaluated.DesignRetrospectiveMaterialsA total of 55 patients with acute SMA occlusion were retrieved from the in-hospital register during a 4-year period between 2005 and 2009.MethodsGlomerular filtration rate was calculated as a simplified variant of Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group (MDRD).ResultsPreoperative renal insufficiency was found in 52%; advanced state in one patient. Creatinine was lower (p = 0.018) at discharge (median: 71 μmol L−1), compared to admission (median: 76 μmol L−1), in the 32 survivors exposed to repeated iodinated contrast media (median: 54.7 g iodine). No patient died due to renal failure or needed dialysis after endovascular intervention. Endovascular intervention was associated with a higher survival rate (p = 0.001).ConclusionSerious acute contrast-induced nephropathy was not found in patients diagnosed by CT angiography and treated by endovascular procedures for acute SMA occlusion. Elevated serum creatinine levels should not deter the clinician from ordering a CT angiography in patients with suspicion of acute SMA occlusion.