The authors report the observation of two young women, aged 32 and 34, suffering from abdominal pain. The basic diagnostic investigation did not lead to an explanation for the intermittent attacks of severe abdominal pains, which had been ongoing for months. Eventually diagnostic laparotomy showed extensive intestinal necrosis, caused by superior mesenteric artery thrombosis. In the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain, digestive artery occlusion should be taken into consideration, especially in the case of younger women with predisposing risk factors. Biplanar angiography of the mesenteric arteries, duplex sonography or magnetic resonance angiography should be performed early on to minimise diagnostic and treatment delay. Doing so might improve prognosis considerably.
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