title: Isolated injury of the superior mesenteric artery caused by a lap belt in a child.
abstract: 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. Correct use of all types of restraints is to be recommended. The diagnosis of this rare intraabdominal vascular injury is possible especially when the major signs are evident, but an awareness of this rare possibility is essential for the outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, Transplantation and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. glagreca@unict.it
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: La Greca
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Castello
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barbagallo
authors.forename: Emanuele
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Grasso
authors.forename: Saverio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Latteri
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Scala
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Russello
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D002648:Child; D003250:Constriction; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*