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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
A case report of B-cell lymphoma masquerading as superior mesenteric artery syndrome
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary, LE1 5WW Leicester, UK.
Insights
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome can mimic other conditions. In a child presenting with SMA syndrome symptoms, lymphoma was found to cause jejunal intussusception and duodenal compression, highlighting the need for thorough diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction.
- Intussusception is a more common cause of intestinal obstruction in children.
Observation:
- A child presented with symptoms suggestive of SMA syndrome after acute weight loss.
- Surgical exploration revealed disseminated lymphoma as the cause.
Findings:
- The lymphoma caused a secondary high jejunal intussusception.
- Retroperitoneal lymph node involvement by the tumor compressed the third part of the duodenum.
Implications:
- SMA syndrome should be viewed as a sign, not a definitive diagnosis.
- Investigating the underlying cause of SMA syndrome is crucial.
- Routine preoperative imaging is recommended for suspected cases.
Abstract:
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, especially in children, whereas intussusception is far more common. We report the case of a child, who after an episode of acute weight loss presented with features suggestive of SMA syndrome. This child subsequently was shown at operation to have disseminated lymphoma causing a secondary high jejunal intussusception and tumor involvement of retroperitoneal lymph nodes causing compression of the third part of the duodenum. This case emphasizes that the SMA syndrome should be considered a sign rather than a diagnosis in itself. As such, an active search should be made to determine the cause of the condition. Routine preoperative imaging is recommended.