Intensive Long Distance Running as a Possible Cause of Multiple Splanchnic Arterial Aneurysms: A Case Report

Abstract

This is a case report that suggests the possible association between multiple splanchnic arterial aneurysms and long-distance running. The clinical features of one patient admitted at Chungbuk National University Hospital for treatment of multiple splanchnic arterial aneurysms were reviewed. A 54-year-old man had a recurrent, intermittent and epigastric pain for 2 months. There was no abnormality in gastroscopy and colonoscopy. An abdominal computed tomography angiography documented calcified superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and splenic artery aneurysms. The patient had a history of recreational long-distance running for over 10 years. His average running time per week was more than 10 hours. There was no evidence of systemic arteritis, connective tissue disorder or infectious process that may have caused the aneurysms. He did not take any drugs. The SMA aneurysm was opened, and the aneurysmal segment of SMA was replaced with a vein graft. The splenic aneurysm was observed. The patient recovered without any sequelae.

Keywords: Aneurysm; Mesenteric arteries; Running; Splenic artery.

Fig. 1.

Computed tomography angiography: the arrow indicates the superior mesenteric artery aneurysm (A), the arrow indicates the splenic artery aneurysm in the axial view (B) and 3-dimensional volume rendering reconstruction (C).

Fig. 2.

Follow-up computed tomography angiography 14 months later: the white arrow indicates a calcified splenic artery aneurysm. The line and gray arrow indicate the reconstructed superior mesenteric artery with a vein graft in 3-dimensional reconstruction (A). The arrow indicates another distal aneurysmal change (B).