Superior Mesenteric Artery Metastasis from Melanoma in a 51-year Old Pool Cleaner
Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Background: The superior mesenteric artery arises from the aorta at the L1 level and supplies the third and fourth parts of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, most of the large intestine, and the head of the pancreas. It makes an anastomosis with the Marginal Artery of Drummond. This study describes the approach to and histological features of a metastatic invasion of the superior mesenteric artery in a cadaver that passed at 51-years old.
Methods: A dissection of the abdomen was performed, and vasculature was defined to reveal an anatomically normal superior mesenteric artery with a mass on the right colic branch. The mass was pictured and then a sample was prepared for pathological examination with H&E staining.
Results: The histological findings after staining with H&E included neoplastic pleomorphic, enlarged malignant cells with hyperchromatic nuclei. This is consistent with the diagnosis of melanoma and suggests the metastasis of that melanoma to the superior mesenteric artery.
Discussion: Clinical considerations mostly include different manifestations of mesenteric artery ischemia. Acute ischemia is a surgical emergency as the bowel will likely die without quick resolution whereas chronic ischemia shows more subtle signs that involve post-prandial pain, weight loss, diarrhea, and eventual bowel death. The presentation of this patient was likely chronic as no signs of bowel necrosis were found on dissection.
Embargo Period
5-27-2026
Superior Mesenteric Artery Metastasis from Melanoma in a 51-year Old Pool Cleaner
Moultrie, GA
Background: The superior mesenteric artery arises from the aorta at the L1 level and supplies the third and fourth parts of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, most of the large intestine, and the head of the pancreas. It makes an anastomosis with the Marginal Artery of Drummond. This study describes the approach to and histological features of a metastatic invasion of the superior mesenteric artery in a cadaver that passed at 51-years old.
Methods: A dissection of the abdomen was performed, and vasculature was defined to reveal an anatomically normal superior mesenteric artery with a mass on the right colic branch. The mass was pictured and then a sample was prepared for pathological examination with H&E staining.
Results: The histological findings after staining with H&E included neoplastic pleomorphic, enlarged malignant cells with hyperchromatic nuclei. This is consistent with the diagnosis of melanoma and suggests the metastasis of that melanoma to the superior mesenteric artery.
Discussion: Clinical considerations mostly include different manifestations of mesenteric artery ischemia. Acute ischemia is a surgical emergency as the bowel will likely die without quick resolution whereas chronic ischemia shows more subtle signs that involve post-prandial pain, weight loss, diarrhea, and eventual bowel death. The presentation of this patient was likely chronic as no signs of bowel necrosis were found on dissection.