Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: Weight Loss Can Be a Problem, Weight Gain Can Be a Solution.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare acquired disorder, which in the present case had an acute and unusual way of presentation.

CASE REPORT:

We present a 17-year-old female with nausea, vomiting, and intense epigastric pain. In the previous 6 months, she had lost 42% of her body weight. The echography showed a distended stomach that reached the pelvis, and the nasogastric tube that was placed drained 2,000 mL. A computed tomography scan confirmed the SMAS diagnosis. She started a hypercaloric fractionated meal diet, prokinetics, and postural measures. After the 1-year follow-up the patient is asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION:

This acute presentation is rare but life-threatening due to the possibility of gastric rupture. Medical management is possible in the majority of cases, and surgery is needed only in the refractory ones.

• Authors: Ana Alvarenga, Céu Espinheira, Paula Guerra, Maria Garcia, Mariana Abreu, Miguel Campos
• Journal: GE Portuguese journal of gastroenterology (GE Port J Gastroenterol) Vol. 24 Issue 1 Pg. 43-46 (Jan 2017) ISSN: 2341-4545 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 28848779 (Publication Type: Case Reports)