Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Improved by Enteral Nutritional Therapy: A Retrospective Case-Series Study in a...

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a relatively rare cause of chronic duodenal obstruction, owing to the compression of the third portion of the duodenum.

This retrospective study aims to discuss the efficacy of enteral nutrition (EN) therapy in nutritional status and symptom improvement at a short-term follow-up for SMAS patients.

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of patients diagnosed as SMAS and treated with EN from September 2012 to January 2019.

Twenty-six patients were included (16 women; mean age 24.96 ± 11.77 years), none was excluded, and one was lost to follow-up. The patients' mean body weight was 40.94 ± 10.16 kg, mean weight loss 11.73 ± 7.58 kg, and mean body mass index (BMI) 14.82 ± 2.52 kg/m2. The mean duration of EN therapy was 10.10 ± 4.66 months. Serum level of nutritional indicators, BMI and body weight increased after EN therapy. During a median follow-up of 24 months (9-44) after EN therapy, the mean symptom score decreased from 24.28 ± 9.57 to 8.06 ± 8.29 (p < 0.0001), and 65% of patients' symptoms resolved and 15% of patients' symptoms improved. In total, 16 complications occurred, including tube blockage, peristomal wound infections, peristomal leakage, granulomas, and nasopharyngeal pain.

EN therapy may be an effective option for SMAS patients. While it might not remove all symptoms, it can improve the nutritional status to support subsequent treatments.