Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Targeting the Rat's Small Bowel: Long-Term Infusion into the Superior Mesenteric Artery
Published on: April 8, 2021
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction
U Baltazar1, J Dunn, C Floresguerra
1Department of Surgery, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City 37614, USA.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Pyloric Obstruction
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Appendicitis

