BACKGROUND: The goal of our research was to evaluate the efficacy of endovasculartreatment in stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk. MATERIAL/METHODS: Duringthe period 1996-2001, 6 patients (1 woman, 5 men, ages 46 to 73) were referred to our department withabdominal angina. Angiograms were performed in order to establish the reasons. All these patients presentedwith postprandial abdominal pain and weight loss. Angiography showed stenosis in the superior mesentericartery in 2 patients, in the celiac trunk in 1 patient, and in both vessels in 3 patients. Typical balloonangioplasty (PTA) was performed with a balloon catheter, 5-8 mm in diameter, inflated up to 18 atm. Ifmore than 30% stenosis remained after PTA, the patient was referred for stenting. RESULTS: In 5 of the6 patients (83%) PTA was successful. In one patient (17%) with poor results from PTA, a Perflex stent(diameter 7 mm) was implanted in the superior mesenteric artery. The follow-up protocol included clinicaland Doppler ultrasonographic examination at 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery. A good clinical and ultrasoundoutcome was found in 6 patients at 6 and 12 months, and in 4 patients at 18 months.CONCLUSIONS: Balloonangioplasty and stent placement seem to be efficient and safe methods of treatment for abdominal anginain stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk.

Keywords: Angioplasty, Balloon, Chronic Disease, Mesenteric Artery, Superior, Stents, Time Factors