Intracerebral hemorrhage after transcatheter thrombolysis of non-occluding superior mesenteric artery thrombosis

We performed transcatheter thrombolysis on a 64-year-old man with non-occluding superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis because his severe symptoms could not be controlled with medication. An enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan revealed intramural thrombosis in the SMA. We were concerned that the narrowing of the SMA lumen might progress to complete occlusion, resulting in a high likelihood of mortality. After dissolution of the SMA thrombosis, the original symptoms almost completely disappeared. However, intracranial hemorrhage occurred 8 hr after thrombolysis, requiring surgical intervention. Transcatheter thrombolysis is thought to be a useful treatment for SMA thrombosis, especially in elderly patients with a high operative risk; however, the possibility of intracerebral hemorrhage must be taken into consideration.