superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome

A condition in which a person vomits after meals due to blockage of the blood supply to the intestine.

Mentioned in: Anorexia Nervosa

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superior mesenteric artery syndrome

An uncommon condition caused by compression of the superior mesenteric artery, with obstruction of the 3^rd portion of the duodenum Etiology Loss of cushioning regional adipose tissues that maintain an appropriate arterial angle, seen in excess weight loss, rapid growth in children without corresponding gain of weight, in those with an asthenic habitus, or in Pts fixed in a hyperextended position by spinal injury or surgery Clinical Postprandial epigastric pain, distension, nausea, abdominal cramps, weight loss Diagnosis Distension of proximal duodenum by barium studies and narrowing of angle between the aorta and SMA by aortography or sonography Management SMAS is a diagnosis of exclusion that may respond to conservative therapy–eg, adoption of a postprandial knee-chest position, smaller meals, elemental diet