True clinical entity of vascular compression of the duodenum in adolescence

Thirteen pediatric patients were diagnosed with superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) at our institution between 1974 and 1986. Four were successfully treated with nasojejunal feedings only, and nine underwent a derotation procedure designed to alleviate the problem of compression of the duodenum by the superior mesenteric artery. Of the nine patients who were operated upon, only one required a gastrojejunostomy to bypass a persistent obstruction. Therapy was aimed specifically toward the problem of duodenal occlusion at the mesenteric root. Because this therapy was successful in all of the patients, we conclude that SMAS exists as a treatable entity and must be considered in any adolescent patient who presents with symptoms of obstruction of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract and failure to thrive.