A Rare Case of Wilkie’s Syndrome or Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) syndrome (known as Wilkie’s syndrome) is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction. It is an acquired disorder, causes compression of the third part of the duodenum between the SMA and the aorta, due to loss of fatty tissue as a result of a variety of debilitating conditions. We report a case of 18 year old female presented with history of intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting of 6 months duration followed by significant weight loss for which she is hospitalized. Patient underwent extensive invasive and non-invasive tests, thereafter revealed her diagnosis. This case emphasizes the challenges in the diagnosis of SMA syndrome and the need for increased awareness of this entity.