SMA Syndrome
SMA syndrome diagnosis is challenging and often delayed due to its insidious onset. The diagnosis should be suspected based on clinical presentation and supported by radiological tests - Swapnil Singh Kushwaha
image by: Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Research Awareness and Support
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Fearless in the face of rare disorder
SMA comes in two forms: chronic (genetic predisposition and developing over the course of a lifetime) or acute (developing suddenly after a rapid weight loss). Unfortunately, the symptoms of SMA are symptoms of almost every condition in existence (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, etc), it only shows up on specific tests, and can easily be overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Resources
Clinical and Radiologic Considerations for Idiopathic Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome
A critical review of this disease process is explored to highlight pathology, imaging characteristics, and essential alternative diagnostic considerations.
Facts and fantasies about superior mesenteric artery syndrome: an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome (also known as Wilkie’s syndrome) is an unusual cause of proximal intestinal obstruction, attributable to vascular compression of the third part of duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta due to acute angulation of SMA. It is a life threatening disease as it poses a diagnostic dilemma and often diagnosed by exclusion of other causes. I
Rare Case of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: A Story of Missed Diagnosis
SMAS is a rare cause of abdominal pain. True incidence of SMAS is unknown. SMA originates from aorta at level of L1-2 and extends anteroinferiorly into mesentery at an angle with aorta known as aortomesenteric angle (AMA) which normally varies from 28°-65. SMAS is characterized by acute AMA, compressing 3rd part of duodenum between aorta and SMA. Several factors are listed which have an effect on AMA.
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: a Prospective Study in a Single Institution
Over the years, it has been described by various names, i.e., Cast Syndrome, Wilkie’s syndrome, arteriomesenteric duodenal compression, and duodenal vascular compression. These multiple terminologies have made it difficult to estimate the true frequency in the general population
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A rare but life threatening disease
Treatment consisted of conservative measures such as NG decompression and hyperalimentation followed by oral feeding with frequent small meals. If conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment may be considered.
When an Eating Disorder Is Not an Eating Disorder
“It” was superior mesenteric artery syndrome, or SMAS, which occurs when the duodenum is compressed between two arteries—the aorta and superior mesenteric artery—resulting in partial or complete blockage of the duodenum.
Fearless in the face of rare disorder
My intention with sharing all of this is not to make anyone feel sorry for me. I want to raise awareness about this rare condition and give a little bit of insight on what I have been going through...
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Research Awareness and Support
Treatment of the underlying illness causing the illness is paramount. These patients should do well with conservative management, hence surgical intervention should be reserved for rare cases.
GARD
SMAS typically is due to loss of the mesenteric fat pad (fatty tissue that surrounds the superior mesenteric artery). The most common cause is significant weight loss caused by medical disorders, psychological disorders, or surgery. In younger patients, it most commonly occurs after corrective spinal surgery for scoliosis. Delays in diagnosis may result in significant complications.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare digestive system disorder. The superior mesenteric artery provides blood to the small intestine, cecum, and colon. It crosses over the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Symptoms occur when the artery obstructs the duodenum. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome may be referred to at SMA Syndrome or as SMAS, and by a variety of other names including Cast syndrome, Wilkie syndrome, arteriomesenteric duodenal obstruction, and chronic duodenal ileus.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a frequently overlooked cause of abdominal pain and emesis associated with food consumption in patients who have lost substantial weight. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome results from the compression of the horizontal duodenum between the SMA and the aorta owing to atrophy of the mesenteric fat pad resulting from weight loss.
StatPearls
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare disease defined as compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. Other names for SMA syndrome have included chronic duodenal ileus, Wilkie syndrome, arterio-mesenteric duodenal compression syndrome and cast syndrome.
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