• Pathophysiology
  1. Third section of Duodenum constricted between superior Mesenteric Artery and abdominal aorta
  • Epidemiology
  1. Rare
  • Risk Factors
  1. Genetic predisposition (more common in the twin of an affected patient)
  2. Corrective spinal surgery for Scoliosis
  3. Slender patients with acute weight loss (loss of mesenteric fat pad)
    1. Anorexia Nervosa
    2. Gastroenteritis
  1. Bilious Emesis
  2. Upper Abdominal Pain
  3. Early satiety
  4. Weight loss
  • Associated Conditions
  1. Celiac Axis Compression Syndrome.
  • Imaging
  1. XRay Abdomen
  2. CT Abdomen and Pelvis
  3. Abdominal Ultrasound
  • Complications
  1. Small Bowel Obstruction related complications
    1. Gastric or Intestinal Pneumatosis
    2. Intestinal Perforation
    3. Duodenal Bezoar
    4. Portal Vein Gas
  2. Malnutrition and Electrolyte disturbance
  3. Aspiration Pneumonia
  • Management
  1. Manage Small Bowel Obstruction
  2. Supportive care (hydration, Electrolyte replacement)
  3. Treat underlying causes
  4. Surgical interventions
    1. Duodenum repositioning to right of SMA (Strong’s procedure)
    2. Gastrojejunostomy (duodenal resection)
    3. Duodenojejunostomy
  • Resources
  1. Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (NIH Rare Diseases)
    1. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7712/superior-mesenteric-artery-syndrome