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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
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Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
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Familial superior mesenteric artery syndrome
Ana Raquel Martins1, José Filipe Cunha2, Joana Patrício3
1Department of Surgery, Hospital do Espirito Santo de Evora EPE, Evora, Portugal.
BMJ Case Reports
|April 30, 2016
Summary
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition caused by duodenal compression. This case highlights a successful surgical intervention for a young woman with chronic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) affects 0.1-0.3% of the population, characterized by duodenal compression due to a narrow aortomesenteric angle.
- It predominantly impacts females under 30 and can be congenital or acquired, with a rare familial form reported.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old female presented with a decade of recurrent epigastric discomfort and vomiting, suggestive of SMAS.
- Diagnostic workup included digestive endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal transit imaging, and abdominal MRI, confirming the diagnosis.
Findings:
- The patient underwent surgical intervention after 17 days of parenteral nutrition.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with discharge occurring 8 days after surgery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering SMAS in young patients with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Effective diagnosis and surgical management can lead to positive patient outcomes.
- Further research into the familial and acquired etiologies of SMAS may improve early detection and treatment strategies.
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