Increase body weight to treat superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction resulting from vascular compression of the third part of the duodenum in the angle between the abdominal aorta and SMA.

A 19-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa with upper gastrointestinal obstruction symptoms resorted to the emergency department. A diagnosis of SMA syndrome was made. Symptoms were solved with conservative treatment aimed at increase body weight.

SMA syndrome is most commonly associated with debilitating illnesses. Patients present with acute or insidious upper gastrointestinal obstruction symptoms. Aortomesenteric artery angle of ≤25° is the most sensitive measure of diagnosis. Advances in both enteral and parenteral nutrition led to a shift towards conservative treatment.

Low threshold of suspicion is important to make a timely diagnosis and treatment. A conservative treatment aimed at increasing body weight is the first-line approach, leaving surgical intervention for failure cases.