Superior mesenteric artery syndrome following rapid weight loss

Abstract EN

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a very rare, life-threatening gastro-vascular disorder characterized by a compression of the third portion of the duodenum by the abdominal aorta (AA) and the overlying superior mesenteric artery.

We describe a case of a 25 year old lady who presented with recurrent attacks of epigastric pain, abdominal distension, and vomiting that was aggravated by weight loss following some weight reduction dietary program.

Upper gastrointestinal study with gastrograffine showed a dilated stomach and second part of the duodenum with cut off at the third part of duodenum with no intrinsic mucosal abnormalities.

CT scan of the abdomen revealed a narrow angle and decreased distance between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery, thus compressing the third duodenal part.

Conservative treatment was tried for six months but failed.

This condition can be treated medically but surgical correction with a transmesocolic duodenojejunostomy is more effective.