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

INTRODUCTION: 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. OBJECTIVES: 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. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of patients diagnosed as SMAS and treated with EN from September 2012 to January 2019. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

[Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a 12-year-old adolescent. Clinical case]. / Síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior en una adolescente de 12 años. Caso clínico.

The superior mesenteric artery syndrome is rarely seen in children. It results from an intestinal obstruction due to compression of the third portion of duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta. In most of the cases there are predisposing factors such as rapid weight loss or extra-abdominal compression. We report a case of a superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a twelve-year-old female patient without predisposing factors. The girl began suddenly with nauseas, continuous vomiting and abdominal pain. The abdominal pain was postprandial and it decreased in left lateral decubitus position. Clinically, this characteristic suggested superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Angio-computed tomography scan confirmed the diagnosis. Given that conservative treatment ultimately failed, patient was subjected to surgery and the illness was resolved.

El síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior es una enfermedad poco frecuente en pediatría. Se produce por la compresión de la tercera porción duodenal a su paso entre la arteria mesentérica superior y la aorta abdominal (compás aortomesentérico). La mayoría de los pacientes presentan factores predisponentes: pérdida de peso aguda o compresiones extraabdominales. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 12 años de edad a quien se le diagnosticó el síndrome sin presentar factores predisponentes. Comenzó de modo súbito con náuseas, vómitos incoercibles y dolor abdominal, que era posprandial y se aliviaba, llamativamente, en decúbito lateral izquierdo. Esto constituyó la sospecha clínica del síndrome, por lo que se solicitó una angio tomografía computada abdominal y se observó el estrechamiento del compás aortomesentérico. Se realizó un tratamiento médico conservador, sin respuesta clínica. Se decidió el tratamiento quirúrgico y se logró la resolución del cuadro clínico.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a healthy active adolescent.

This report discusses a case of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome in a previously healthy 15-year-old boy with no weight loss or other common risk factors. The patient presented to the emergency department with acute bilious vomiting and epigastric pain after acute consumption of a meal and excessive quantities of water. The patient was diagnosed with SMA syndrome based on the findings of contrasted CT of the abdomen. In early puberty, boys have a significant increase in lean body mass and a concomitant loss of adipose tissues. These pubertal changes lead to a narrowing of the aortomesenteric space. The acute consumption of food and water caused a transient obstruction at the already-narrowed space, which resulted in the manifestation of SMA syndrome. This case demonstrates that pubertal growth spurt is a risk factor for SMA syndrome, and acute excessive ingestion can trigger SMA syndrome among those in puberty.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome May Be Overlooked in Women with Functional Dyspepsia.

Objective Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is characterized by the compression of the third segment of the duodenum between the SMA and aorta, resulting in duodenal obstruction. Because the symptoms of the syndrome are similar to those of functional dyspepsia (FD), this study aimed to examine whether or not patients with SMA syndrome were present among those diagnosed with FD. Methods Patients with an FD diagnosis underwent measurement of the angle and distance between the SMA and aorta by ultrasonography or computed tomography. Patients with an angle of ≤22° or with a distance of ≤8 mm between the SMA and aorta were diagnosed with SMA syndrome. Bacterial culture of the duodenal aspirate was also performed. Results Of the 46 FD patients, 5 (11%) met the criteria. All 5 were women with a body mass index significantly lower than the remaining 41 patients (18.7 vs. 24.0 kg/m2, p=0.003). In addition, all 5 patients had 105/mL or more bacteria in the duodenum. The symptoms of these five patients were treated through dietary and postprandial posture counselling with or without medication. Conclusion Patients with SMA syndrome were observed among underweight women diagnosed with FD. Their symptoms may be associated with bacterial overgrowth.

The two sides of superior mesenteric artery syndrome treatment: conservative or surgical management? / Las dos caras del tratamiento del síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior: ¿manejo conservador o quirúrgico?

Introduction: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition characterized by vascular compression of the duodenum. There is controversy regarding the optimal treatment. Case report: In case 1, we describe the case of a 21-year-old woman (body mass index [BMI] 16.9 kg/m2) with high-level obstructive symptoms three months prior, with computed tomography scan (TC) showing a superior mesenteric artery aorta angle (SMAA) of 13° and compression of the third portion of the duodenum (D3), for this reason a nasojejunal tube was placed for enteral feeding. In case 2, enteral nutrition was initiated for feeding a 17-year-old female with anorexia nervosa (BMI 8.3 kg/m2). She presented macrohematuria, vomiting, epigastralgia, abdominal distension and acute abdomen when oral feeding was reinitiated. TC reported a SMAA of 15°, in addition to compression of the left renal vein (Nutcracker syndrome) and gastro duodenal expansion, surgical management was necessary. Discussion: Both cases had favorable evolution, being the nutritional support fundamental. SMAS should be suspected in all people with high-level obstructive symptoms and recent weight loss (AU)

Introducción: el síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior (SAMS) es una condición rara caracterizada por la compresión vascular del duodeno, y existe controversia acerca de su tratamiento. Caso clínico: en el caso 1, presentamos a una mujer de 21 años (índice de masa corporal [IMC] 16,9 kg/m2) con datos de obstrucción alta y epigastralgia durante los tres meses previos, con tomografía computarizada (TC) que reporta ángulo de la arteria mesentérica superior (AAMS) de 13° y compresión de D3. Se colocó sonda nasoyeyunal para alimentarla. En el caso 2, se inició alimentación enteral por sonda nasogástrica en una mujer de 17 años con anorexia nerviosa (IMC 8,3 kg/m2). Al reiniciar la vía oral presentó hematuria, vómito, epigastralgia, distensión abdominal y abdomen agudo. La TC reportó AAMS 15°, compresión de la vena renal izquierda (síndrome de Nutcracker) y distensión gastroduodenal. Requirió tratamiento quirúrgico. Discusión: ambas pacientes tuvieron evolución favorable, siendo fundamental el soporte nutricional. Se debe sospechar el SAMS en los pacientes con datos de obstrucción intestinal alta y pérdida de peso reciente (AU)

PATHOGENETIC SIGNIFICANCE OF DYSKINESIA OF THE SPHINCTER OF OKSNER IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYNDROME OF THE SUPERIOR MESENTERIC ARTERY.

The goal of this study is to investigate the pathological physiology of superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 35 articles devoted to SMAS, which were published from 1990 to 2014, and performed radiometric analysis of X-rays, CT scans and MRI slices found in these articles. In pictures the narrowing in the third part of the duodenum was measured from the boundary of the expanded segment to the level of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). RESULTS: Only in 6 (17%) of. 35 cases the narrowing portion of duodenum was located directly between aorta and SMA, and its length was about 1cm. In the remaining 29 cases, the beginning of the narrow segment was 2.5-4.6 cm (average 3.30 ±0.15 cm) proximal to SMA, ie, most of the narrowed duodenum was out of aortomesenteric angle. Location and length of the narrowed segment of duodenum corresponded to the location and length (3.2 ± 0.15 cm) (P> 0.2) of the functional Ochsner sphincter. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that in most cases of SMAS the sphincter Ochsner dyskinesia causes the disease. It is likely that the disease is triggered by heavy stressful conditions that cause a sharp and sustained reduction in the pH of gastric secretions, which in turn leads to the spasms of the sphincter Ochsner. With time this condition progresses to hypertrophy of the contracted wall of the duodenum with subsequent replacement of the muscle fibers by connective tissue. This can lead to the rigidity of the wall.

Predictors and outcomes of superior mesenteric artery syndrome in patients with constipation: a prospective, nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome may occur in patients with constipation, whereas the association between these two distinct diseases has not been confirmed yet. We investigated the incidence, risk factors and treatment strategy associated with SMA syndrome in constipated patients. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a prospective nested case-control study from a 9-year hospitalization cohort (n=973). Cases were matched to controls 1:4 on factors of age and gender. Cases developed SMA syndrome in long term follow-up (n=26) and controls did not (n=104). Independent risk factors were identified by using univariate analysis and conditional logistic regression analysis. Enteral nutritional support was applied in all cases and its curative effect was evaluated by retrospective analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of SMA syndrome was 2.67%. The risk factors under scrutiny were body mass index (BMI)≤18 (odds ratio (OR) 2.89, 95% CI 1.14 to 9.31) and abnormal colon transit time (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.36 to 9.35). Twenty-two patients recovered after treatment of nutritional support, and the success rate of conservative treatment was 84.6%. CONCLUSIONS: BMI≤18 and prolonged colon transit time both were risk factors associated with SMA syndrome in constipated patients. Enteral nutritional support should be adopted as the first-line treatment for this condition.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: spectrum of CT findings with multiplanar reconstructions and 3-D imaging.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the causes, clinical presentation, and CT diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome. CONCLUSION: In conjunction with an appropriate clinical history, several CT findings can suggest the diagnosis of SMA syndrome. These findings include narrowing of the aortomesenteric angle and distance, distension of the stomach and duodenum, and dilatation of the left renal vein with left-sided venous collaterals.

Clinical and nutritional outcomes in children with idiopathic superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: There are no available data for outcomes in children's idiopathic superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) strictly treated conservatively. The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and nutritional outcome in children with idiopathic SMAS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 1-year prospective observation study of effects of treatment and outcome was performed in 27 children (8 boys, 19 girls) with idiopathic SMAS who underwent an upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series, ultrasound measurement of the aortomesenteric angle, treatment, clinical assessment, growth evaluation, and regular clinical visits for more than 12 months. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 11.77 +/- 2.15 years. The major clinical complaints were postprandial pain or fullness (88.9%), vomiting (55.6%), and early satiety (51.9%). Eight patients (29.6%) had weight loss. The UGI series revealed typical features of SMAS. The aortomesenteric angle on ultrasound was 10 degrees to 19 degrees. The height of most patients (92.6%) was above the 10th percentile, whereas 15 (55.6%) patients weighed below the 10th percentile. Six patients underwent surgical intervention (3 for obstruction and 3 for persistent anorexia with weight loss), and their clinical symptoms and weight status improved steadily during the follow-up months. Among the 21 patients not subject to surgical intervention, 11 (52.4%) experienced a reduction of symptoms >50% after 3 months of treatment, and weight-for-age percentile increased significantly after 6 months of treatment. Overall, a significant increase in the weight-for-age status was seen in the patients with surgical treatment or with medication only after 6 and 12 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: An aortomesenteric angle <20 degrees is a constant phenomenon in children with idiopathic SMAS. A duodenojejunostomy can effectively relieve the obstructive symptoms, such as anorexia, and improve nutritional status, whereas long-term medical treatment may aid in relieving the clinical symptoms, promoting appetite, and improving nutritional status in pediatric patients with idiopathic SMAS.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome after Roux-en-y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As bariatric surgery becomes more widespread, atypical complications will be seen with more frequency. In this case series, we report on 3 cases of superior mesenteric artery syndrome after gastric bypass and the laparoscopic treatment. METHODS: This is a case series of 3 patients who presented with the persistent postprandial symptoms of pain and nausea after gastric bypass, and through an extensive workup were eventually diagnosed with superior mesenteric artery syndrome. All 3 patients had dramatic weight loss after laparoscopic Roux-en-y gastric bypasses. Gastric remnant distention was not a consistent finding, but persistent postprandial nausea, epigastric pain, and computed tomographic findings of a narrowed angle between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta were consistently found. Two patients were treated with a laparoscopic gastroduodenal jejunostomy anastomosis, and one patient had a duodenojejunostomy, all with resolution of their symptoms. RESULTS: A laparoscopic gastroduodenal (or duodeno-) jejunal bypass was performed in each case, which resolved the obstruction caused by the superior mesenteric artery syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome can be caused by the dramatic weight loss induced by a gastric bypass. This post weight loss surgery phenomenon may be far more prevalent and underdiagnosed than reported, and should be considered in all patients with greater than average weight loss at one year and who have persistent postprandial nausea and epigastric pain. This can be successfully treated by bypassing the obstruction, while maintaining the weight loss induced by the Roux-en-y gastric bypass.