User:Mr. Ibrahem/Superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a digestive condition that occurs when the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) is compressed between two arteries (the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, rapid fullness when eating, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Complications may include small bowel obstruction, electrolyte abnormalities, and pneumatosis intestinalis.

Causes may include significant weight loss or following surgery for scoliosis. Cases may run in families. The underlying mechanism often involves the loss of the fatty tissue that surrounds the superior mesenteric artery. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and medical imaging after other potential causes are excluded. Nutcracker syndrome is a different condition in which the left renal vein is compressed by an artery.

Treatment may involve gaining weight, sitting with the knees to the chest after eating, or surgery. Small and frequent meals may be helpful. Tube feeding or intravenous nutritional support may be required in severe cases. Metoclopramide may be used to help with nausea. Surgery is generally only considered if other measures are not effected. SMA is estimated to affect about 2 per 1,000 people. It was first described in 1861 by Carl von Rokitansky.