Wilkie's syndrome: review of eight cases

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare entity presenting with upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction and abrupt weight loss. Usually seen in tall individual with low bod mass index (BMI), the weight loss may be primary or secondary to a systemic disease or to the syndrome itself Compression of the duodenum between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery due to loss of the duodenal pad of fat causes the obstruction. Early recognition prevent complications. Imaging and endoscopy is diagnostic. Aorto-mesenteric angle and SMA aorta distance is lower than 22 degree and eight millimeter respectively. If nutritional support fails, surgery is required (e.g. guodeno-jejunostomy). Studies to determine the optimal methods of diagnosis and treatment, especially in a suburban hospitals with limited expertise are essential.

We retrospectively evaluated 8 cases presented over three years. Six (75%) patients were males, age ranged from 19 to 70 years and weight from 40 to 55 kg. The mean BMI was 18.7 kg/ m2 (range 16.42 to 25.11 kg/m2). Mean weight loss before diagnosis was 9.88 kg (range 6 to 12 kg). Symptoms developed between 8 to 180 days (median 12 days). Commonest presentation was epigastric pain, vomiting and nausea. Four patients had pre-morbid conditions and the syndrome was idiopathic in the other 4. Median aorto-mesentric angle was 16.5 degree and SMA-aorta distance was 5.15 mm. Four patients required operation. The rest improved on conservative treatment.

Early recognition, institution of the appropriate conservative measures and timely selection of a definite surgical method are critical to prevent severe complications and death.