Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome

General
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Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome or SMAS is a rare disease with an estimated incidence of about 0.1% to 0.3%. While anyone can get this disease, it is more often found in young adults and adolescents, typically aged 10 to 39 years old. Females are more likely to be diagnosed over males; although, this could be due to the lower BMI also seen in these patients.

SMAS is caused by the compression of the third part of the duodenum. The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine that connects the stomach to the middle of the small intestine or jejunum. The third part of the duodenum runs between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the abdominal aorta. SMAS can go by many names, including chronic duodenal ileus, Wilkie syndrome, arteriomesenteric duodenal compression syndrome and cast syndrome.

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Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare but potentially serious condition in which the duodenum becomes compressed between the SMA and the aorta, leading to obstruction. It mostly affects young adults, especially females with lower BMI, and can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after meals.

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This is fascinating yet concerning condition highlighting the treatment challenge that doctors might face for satisfactory prognosis.