Objective：To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD).
Methods：The clinical data of 9 cases of SISMAD admitted in our hospital between January 2006 and March 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Acute abdominal pain occurred in 8 cases and one case was symptomless. 
Results：Conservative treatments were performed in 2 cases and interventional self-expanding stents were implanted in 4 cases; and operation was performed on 3 cases, in one of them, an aortomesenteric bypass was done, and the other 2 cases underwent endarterectomy and patch plasty of superior mensenteric artery. Eight cases recovered satisfactorily from the procedure with resolution of the abdominal pain in 3 days postoperatively.  One month to 51 months of follow-up showed that no recurrence of abdominal discomfort in any of the cases. Contrast-enhanced CT examination showed superior mesenteric arteries were patent and with no marked aneurysmal dilatations. 
Conclusions：One should be vigilant of the potential patients with spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection, and institute appropriate management based on the actual condition of the patient.