Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a 15-year-old boy during Ramadan

A previously healthy 15-year-old boy who participated in Ramadan and recently suffered from a gastro-enteritis presented at the emergency room with abdominal pain, vomiting, and marked weight loss. Abdominal X-ray and computed tomography showed upper gastrointestinal obstruction and narrowing of the distance between superior mesenteric artery and aorta abdominalis. Through these findings, superior mesenteric artery syndrome was diagnosed. Treatment consisted of placement of a nasojejunal tube for enteral feeding until weight gain was substantial. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is rare, with a prevalence varying between 0.013 and 0.3 %. It is characterized by compression of the third part of duodenum between aorta and superior mesenteric artery, thus causing signs and symptoms of upper gastrointestinal obstruction.

In general, when signs and symptoms of upper gastrointestinal obstruction are accompanied with rapid weight loss, superior mesenteric artery syndrome should be considered.