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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a diabetic patient with acute weight loss
Meng-Chieh Wu1, I-Chen Wu, Jeng-Yih Wu
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan, China.
Abstract:
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an uncommon disease resulting compression of the third portion of the duodenum from the superior mesenteric artery. This disease shares many common manifestations with diabetic gastroparesis, including postprandial fullness, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Therefore, it is often overlooked in diabetic patients. Here, we report a 41-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetic mellitus who developed SMA syndrome due to rapid weight loss. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography and an upper gastrointestinal series. His condition improved after parenteral nutrient, strict sugar control, and gradual weight gain.
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