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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
05:07
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a basic military trainee.
Christopher M Anderson1, Monica A Dalrymple, Daniel J Podberesky
1Department of Surgery, Wilford Hall Medical Center, 59 MDW, 2200 Bergquist Avenue, Suite 1/MCSG, Lackland AFB, TX 78236, USA.
Military Medicine
|February 6, 2007
Summary
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome can cause severe feeding intolerance in young adults following significant weight loss. Early diagnosis and intervention with tube feeding can lead to recovery and successful completion of demanding training.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Case Report
Background:
- Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare gastrovascular disorder.
- It occurs when the third part of the duodenum is compressed between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery.
- Acute weight loss is a known precipitating factor.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old female military trainee presented with intractable vomiting and feeding intolerance.
- She experienced substantial weight loss (16 lbs) during basic training.
- Clinical presentation included inability to tolerate oral intake, with solids being worse than liquids.
Findings:
- Abdominal computed tomography revealed gastric and duodenal distention.
- A critical finding was the narrowing of the second portion of the duodenum at the SMA.
- This anatomical compression confirmed the diagnosis of SMA syndrome.
Implications:
- SMA syndrome, though rare, should be considered in cases of unexplained feeding intolerance after rapid weight loss.
- Nasojejunal tube feeding can be an effective initial management strategy.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment facilitated the patient's recovery and successful completion of military training.
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