Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Masquerading As Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Case Report

Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare upper gastrointestinal problem characterized by narrowing the angle between the aorta and SMA. While the syndrome describes small bowel obstruction as a result of compression at the proximal duodenum, the nonspecific abdominal findings often obscure this diagnosis initially. We present a case of a 21-year-old female with persistent upper abdominal pain of unclear etiology, which was later diagnosed as SMA Syndrome and referred for surgical management. Nonspecific abdominal symptoms in a young female with weight loss and ambiguous laboratory and physical exam findings should increase the index of suspicion for SMA syndrome to mitigate the worsening of serious complications with early treatment.