Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: An uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction

Ulises Baltazar, Julie Dunn, Carlos Floresguerra, Larry Schmidt, William Browder

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

96 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)606-608
Number of pages3
JournalSouthern Medical Journal
Volume93
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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