Have You Seen SAM?

Introduction: Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a rare, non-atherosclerotic, non-inflammatory vascular disease mostly affecting medium to large sized abdominal arteries which may cause aneurysms, stenosis, and haemorrhage.

Report: A case is reported of a patient with SAM affecting the renal arteries bilaterally, where the diagnosis was made by excluding other inflammatory, immunological, and infectious mimickers.

Discussion: As SAM carries a significant mortality and morbidity from end organ ischaemia, infarction, or haemorrhage, it should be considered in any patient presenting with abdominal pain.