Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: An Uncommon Cause of Intestinal Obstruction
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2000
Description
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an atypical cause of high intestinal obstruction, most frequently occurring in patients who have had rapid weight loss. Identification of this syndrome can be a diagnostic dilemma and is frequently made by exclusion. The most characteristic symptoms are postprandial epigastric pain, eructation, fullness, and voluminous vomiting. The symptoms are caused by compression of the third portion of the duodenum against the posterior structures by a narrow-angled SMA. When nonsurgical management is not possible or the problem is refractory, surgical intervention is necessary. We report a case of SMA syndrome in a patient without a history of rapid weight loss. The patient complained of early satiety, nausea, and vomiting of partially digested food worsening over 2 years. Diagnostic evaluation revealed compression of the third portion of the duodenum by the SMA with resultant proximal dilatation. The patient successfully had duodenojejunal anastomosis.
Citation Information
Baltazar, Ulises; Dunn, Julie; Floresguerra, Carlos; Schmidt, Larry; and Browder, William. 2000. Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: An Uncommon Cause of Intestinal Obstruction. Southern Medical Journal. Vol.93(6). 606-608. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007611-200006000-00014 PMID: 10881780 ISSN: 0038-4348