Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A case report

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a life- threatening upper gastrointestinal disorder due to compression of duodenum as it poses a difficult diagnostic dilemma. Third part of duodenum is in fixed compartment bounded anteriorly by the root of mesentery and superior mesentery artery and posteriorly by the aorta and lumbar spine. On barium contrast study and abdominal computerized tomography (CT) showed the dilatation of second part of duodenum and compression of the third part of duodenum between aorta and superior mesentery artery.

A 22 year young asthenic man admitted with the complaint of recurrent abdominal pain, epigastric fullness, and vomiting and weight loss. Abdominal examination revealed epigastric fullness and hyper peristaltic bowel sounds. Upper gastrointestinal barium study showed a dilated stomach with dilated second part of the duodenum and cut off at the third part of duodenum with no intrinsic mucosal abnormalities. There was no relief of obstruction in the left lateral decubitus or prone position. Conservative treatment was tried for one month but failed. Intra-operative findings confirmed the extrinsic obstruction of third part of duodenum with distension of 2(nd) part. A retrocolic duodenojejunostomy, side to side anastomosis done. In post-operative follow up, patient was symptom free.

Superior mesentery artery syndrome is a life threatening disease. It should be treated as soon as possible. Conservative trial can be given but Surgery is the treatment of the choice.