[Aorto-mesenteric artery compression syndrome]

The aim of this paper was to describe a rare gastrointestinal motility disorder caused by vascular compression of the duodenum.

The authors present two patients with vomiting and severe weight loss. Diagnostic evaluation revealed superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

After frustrane treatment with i.v. infusions, surgical intervention with laterolateral duodenojejunostomy or Roux-en-y reconstruction for restoration of the intestinal passage was performed.

Following initial recovery, the first patient showed permanent anorexia. Psychosocial evaluation revealed a severe pathological mother-child relationship. Intensive psychological treatment finally achieved definite weight gain and complete recovery in this patient. The second case subsequently gained weight without psychological evaluation.

The authors review the literature, pointing out the anatomy of the duodenojejunal angle, the etiology, and the predisposing factors, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.