Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: Report of two patients and review of the literature

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare disease that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of upper abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss. Compression of the third part of the duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery anteriorly and the aorta and the spinal cord posteriorly may result in high intestinal obstruction. Surgical treatment with duodenojejunostomy is indicated if proper conservative treatment has failed. Two patients are reported in the present case. One patient presented with acute surgical abdomen, which was an unusual presentation of superior mesenteric artery syndrome, while the second patient had classic features of the syndrome. Both patients were successfully treated with duodenojejunostomy. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigation and management of this condition are discussed.      

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: a rare cause of complete intestinal obstruction in neonates

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is an uncommon cause of high intestinal obstruction in neonates; it is owing to incomplete obstruction in the third part of the duodenum caused by compression between the SMA and abdominal aorta. In neonates, complete intestinal obstruction owing to SMAS has been very rarely reported in the literature .We present a 7-day-old previously healthy male infant with a short history of gastroenteritis and sepsis followed by progressive abdominal distension and persistent bilious vomiting that resulted in hypovolemic shock. The patient was aggressively resuscitated, and a gastrografin study showed a hugely distended stomach with an abrupt narrowing at the third part of the duodenum. Exploratory laparotomy unexpectedly revealed a high insertion of the duodenum at the ligament of Treitz, with upward displacement and SMA compression leading to duodenal obstruction. The ligament of Treitz was divided, and the duodenum, mobilized. The postoperative course was uneventful. Although extremely rare, SMAS should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses in newborns presenting with complete intestinal obstruction, especially if preceded by gastroenteritis or sepsis-like symptoms.     

Laparoscopic treatment of superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is caused by compression of the third portion of the duodenum by the superior mesenteric artery. Many disease states predispose one to this condition. METHODS: We present a case report of a young female patient who presented with gastro-duodenal obstruction from superior mesenteric artery syndrome and subsequently underwent surgical treatment with minimally invasive techniques. Pathophysiology of SMA syndrome is reviewed. RESULTS: The cause of superior mesenteric artery syndrome is variable but always results in duodenal obstruction. Surgery is one treatment option that is effective and can be performed laparoscopically. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy is an acceptable method of treating superior mesenteric artery syndrome.     

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome following small bowel resection

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare cause of mechanical intestinal obstruction. It results from compression of the third part of the duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. It has been described in association with a variety of clinical conditions, including prolonged supine immobilization, application of a body cast, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, spinal surgery and severe weight loss. We present a case of superior mesenteric artery syndrome following resection of a primary adenocarcinoma of the small bowel.     

Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy for superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Superior mesenteric artery (Wilkie's) syndrome is a rare condition. Only 400 cases have been reported so far. The symptoms may be acute or chronic, the chronic form being more common. Vomiting is the most common symptom. About 15 causal factors have been found. Conservative management is the rule for acute cases. Surgery is indicated for chronic cases and failure of conservative management. Laparoscopy has been used in only 8 cases so far. CASE REPORT: We report the ninth case of superior mesenteric artery syndrome managed by laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy. The patient was a 14-year-old boy with chronic symptoms since childhood. The procedure was relatively straightforward. The case is being reported for its rarity and the possibility of laparoscopic management. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic severing of Treitz's ligament is another surgical option, though gastrojejunostomy is of no use. Conservative management is useful only in acute cases. CONCLUSION: Duodenojejunostomy is the procedure of choice and is effective in 90% of patients. We conclude that it is very effective in this condition, especially laparoscopically.     

Wilkie’s syndrome: an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction

A 10-year-old boy presented with 9 months history of gradually worsening, recurrent postprandial upper abdominal pain, bilious vomiting and loss of weight. On examination the child was undernourished, had epigastric fullness and succusion splash was positive. Ultrasonography of the abdomen suggested a massively distended stomach, while an upper gastrointestinal contrast study showed a hugely dilated stomach along with dilated first and second parts of the duodenum with abrupt cut off at the level of third part of duodenum. Contrast enhanced CT scan of the abdomen revealed dilatation of the second part of the duodenum without any obvious abnormality of the aorta-superior mesenteric artery angle. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed retained fluid and food material within a dilated stomach and second part of the duodenum; scope could not be negotiated into the third part because of an extrinsic compression. The child was diagnosed to be suffering from Wilkie’s syndrome. Exploratory laparotomy, performed when conservative management failed, revealed compression of the third part of duodenum by a shortened ligament of Trietz and dense peritoneal bands near the third part of duodenum. The duodenal obstruction was bypassed by performing duodenojejunostomy. The child had an uneventful postoperative recovery. He gained around 6.8 kilograms within next five months.     

Favorable minimal invasive surgery in the treatment of superior mesenteric artery syndrome: Case report

IntroductionThe Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) is a rare form of intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis is based on findings from imaging studies, including vascular compression of the duodenum by the SMA and can be associated with duodenal dilatation.Presentation of caseWe report a case of a patient with SMAS and recurrent episodes of intestinal obstruction, which was successfully treated by laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy.DiscussionThe initial treatment is usually conservative for patient’s clinical improvement. Surgery is indicated when conservative treatment fails as well for patients with recurrent symptoms. Minimal invasive surgery might be a good approach, specially in patients who suffers from this disease and currently are in depleted health conditions.ConclusionThe procedure herein demonstrated may be considered safe and resolutive, with good visualization of structures, relative short surgical time and fast post-operative recovery.     

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in an infant: case report and literature review

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is an obstruction at the third portion of the duodenum by compression between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. In infancy, SMAS is extremely rare; and for its diagnosis, other duodenal obstructive diseases including congenital duodenal stenosis and intestinal malrotation must be ruled out. We present the case of a 7-month-old girl with frequent bilious vomiting after the resolution of acute gastroenteritis. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome was finally diagnosed at laparotomy, and duodenojejunostomy was performed. Vomiting disappeared postoperatively, and she gained weight. Although SMAS is an extremely rare syndrome in infants, it should be considered as a possible cause of incomplete duodenal obstruction.     

十二指肠环形引流术治疗肠系膜上动脉综合征的评价

目的 评价十二指肠环形引流术治疗肠系膜上动脉综合征(SMAS)的临床价值。方法 分析1959年至2001年采用十二指肠环形引流术治疗42例SMAS的临床资料。结果 本组患主要症状为餐后上腹胀痛和频繁呕吐。37例采用十二指肠环形引流术后，经1—15年随访，效果良好。另有5例曾分别行十二指肠血管前移位术(1例)、胃空肠吻合术(1例)、十二指肠空肠吻合术(2例)和胃部分切除胃空肠Billroth Ⅱ式吻合术(1例)，但术后呕吐症状未缓解，后改行十二指肠环形引流术，经9～1O年随访效果亦佳。结论 肠系膜上动脉综合征患若逆蠕动强烈并持久存在，临床上出现频繁呕吐，一旦成为习惯性，逆蠕动就难以消除，即使手术解除十二指肠梗阻，临床症状也不能改善，其治疗关键必须着眼于解决逆蠕动问题。采用十二指肠环形引流术能解决十二指肠内容物的引流方向。使呕吐等症状消除。     

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a patient with Charcot Marie Tooth disease

The extrinsic compression of the third part of the duodenum as it passes through the aorto-mesenteric angle is known as the superior mesenteric artery syndrome(SMAS).This syndrome is a rare mechanical cause of upper intestinal obstruction,with a reported incidence of between 0.2% and 0.78%.Clinical manifestations of SMAS may be chronic or acute;chronic symptoms include intermittent gastric pain,fullness and occasional episodes of postprandial vomiting,while acute symptoms include incoercible vomiting,oral intolerance,mainly epigastric abdominal distension and abdominal pain.Surgery is recommended only when initial conservative treatment fails.Here,we report what appears to be the third published case of SMAS associated with hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy or Charcot Marie Tooth disease.     

Laparoscopic management of superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction includes mechanical obstruction, obstruction secondary to systemic disease, and idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. The causes of these are extensive; however, the majority of cases involve a mechanical cause. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare and controversial form of mechanical obstruction with just over 300 well-defined cases described in the literature. The diagnosis is often difficult to establish, even after surgery. In addition, this syndrome sometimes may be managed conservatively, leaving a definitive diagnosis unproven. We describe herein 2 patients with SMAS successfully treated with laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy. METHODS: Two cases of SMAS occurred in young men ages 23 and 34. The workup included a consultation with a gastroenterologist, an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, upper GI series with small bowel follow-through, computed tomography scan, ultrasound of the abdomen, and abdominal aortogram. This diagnosis was established after consultation with the surgeon and the gastroenterologist in each case. RESULTS: Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy was performed in each case, and both patients have had complete resolution of their preoperative symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: A laparoscopic approach to the management of superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a reasonable and successful way of treating these patients.     

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目的 对肠系膜上动脉压迫综合征的病因、诊断及治疗进行分析和探讨。方法 收集1970年1月至2000年8月住院治疗，经X线钡餐检验或手术确认为肠系膜上动脉压迫综合征77例。结果 保守治疗38例，好转31例（81．6％），未愈和未治6例，死亡1例。手术治疗39例，痊愈35例（89．7％），好转4例。结论 肠系膜上动脉压迫综合征的诊断除应具有上腹胀痛、呕吐等典型症状外，主要的确诊手段为X线钡餐造影；治疗上首先采用保守治疗，无效者再行手术治疗。术式选择以采用十二指肠空肠侧侧吻合术效果较为明显（P＜0．01）。     

Superior mesenteric artery embolism: Eighty-two cases

Eighty-two consecutive patients with superior mesenteric artery embolism were treated between 1966 and 1988. Abdominal pain was atypical or absent in 19 (23%) patients. Except for two instances of intraoperative embolism, emergency mesenteric arteriography was diagnostic in all cases. Seventeen patients were treated medically either because the site of embolism was peripheral, or because there were no life-threatening signs. Sixty-five patients underwent surgery, 31 for mesenteric infarction, and 34 for acute mesenteric ischemia without intestinal necrosis. Surgical treatment included 34 isolated embolectomies, 20 embolectomies associated with intestinal resection, two short segmental resections for limited necrosis of the small intestine, and nine exploratory laparotomies. Of the 34 patients operated on for acute mesenteric ischemia, 12 (35%) died. Of the 31 remaining patients operated on for intestinal infarction, 21 (68%) (p<0.05) died. The mean duration of ischemia before operation was 13 hours 20±6 min and 21 hours 24±24 min, respectively (p<0.05). Two patients (12%) receiving medical treatment died. This study confirms that survival is directly related to early diagnosis based on emergency mesenteric arteriography. Treatment is determined by clinical and roentgenographic criteria. Medical treatment is indicated in certain circumstances.Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Société de Chirurgie Vasculaire de Langue Française, Strasbourg, France, June 23–24, 1989.     

Superior mesenteric artery first approach with first jejunal vein‐oriented mesenteric excision in pancreatoduodenectomy

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) first approach prior to the isolation of the portal vein (PV)/superior mesenteric vein (SMV) from the pancreatoduodenal region during pancreatoduodenectomy was introduced to reduce blood loss due to congestion caused by the PV/SMV first approach. There are several SMA first approaches: the mesenteric approach for pancreatic head cancer and the anterior approach for other periampullary diseases are usually employed at our institution. In these approaches, identification of the first jejunal vein is a critical step to determine the optimal area for lymph node dissection along the SMA (mesoduodenum), and to identify the starting point of the SMA first approach to insulate the flow of the inferior pancreatoduodenal artery. We herein describe our SMA first approach with first jejunal vein‐oriented mesenteric excision during pancreatoduodenectomy.     

Laparoscopic Duodenojejunostomy for Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome

Background:

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition causing acute or chronic compression of the third part of the duodenum, due to a reduction in the aortomesenteric angle. Traditionally, an open duodenojejunostomy is recommended when conservative management fails. Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy is a minimally invasive option that has been reported in up to 10 cases. We describe our operative technique in one case and review the literature on this condition.

Methods:

A previously well 66-year-old man presented with acute gastric dilatation. An abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan and oral Gastrografin meal revealed a dilated stomach and proximal duodenum due to compression of the third part of the duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and aorta.

Results:

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) ruled out intraluminal causes. A laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy was performed when conservative management failed. Postoperative recovery was quick and uneventful. Gastrografin administration on the fifth day showed no leak, with free flow of contrast into the jejunum. The patient resumed a normal diet and remained asymptomatic at 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy is feasible, safe, and effective. It gives the same results as open surgery with all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.     

Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure for superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an uncommon condition where the third portion of the duodenum is compressed and obstructed between the SMA and the aorta. An otherwise healthy 17-year-old female presented with a 2-month history of postprandial abdominal pain and weight loss. Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series demonstrated SMA obstruction of the third portion of the duodenum. Despite nasojejunal tube feedings over 4 months with appropriate weight gain, symptoms continued and repeat UGI demonstrated persistent SMA syndrome. A laparoscopic Ladd's procedure served as definitive treatment. The steps of the procedure include mobilization of the Ligament of Treitz, mobilization of the right colon, complete derotation of the duodenum, delivery of the small bowel to the right upper quadrant, and appendectomy. Following the procedure, a postoperative UGI showed complete resolution of SMA compression of the duodenum. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course with immediate resolution of symptoms. She was discharged home tolerating a regular diet.     

Superior mesenteric artery occlusion models shock-induced gut ischemia-reperfusion

INTRODUCTION: Superior mesenteric artery occlusion (SMAO) is a simple and reproducible model of shock-induced gut ischemia/reperfusion, but some argue that it is not clinically relevant. The purpose of the current study was to compare SMAO to a standard model of controlled hemorrhage (CH) and uncontrolled hemorrhage (UH). METHODS: Rats had femoral lines and a jejunal mucosal laser Doppler placed followed by SMAO (60 min of ischemia, no resuscitation), controlled hemorrhage (40 mm Hg for 60 min, 2:1 resuscitation shed blood and lactated Ringers), or uncontrolled hemorrhage (liver injury, 3:1 resuscitation with lactated Ringers). Base deficit, lactate, and jejunal mucosal flow (as a percentage of baseline) were recorded during ischemia and for 120 min after reperfusion. Jejunal tissue was harvested for morphological evaluation. Comparison among groups was by analysis of variance (ANOVA), and significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Mucosal blood flow was similar among groups at the onset of reperfusion (CH, 16.9 +/- 5.0% versus UH, 10.9 +/- 3.1% versus SMAO, 13.9 +/- 6.2%) and during the initial period of reperfusion. By 120 min, however, flow in CH (75.4 +/- 2.5%) was significantly higher that in either UH (36.4 +/- 13.1%) or SMAO (31.7 +/- 8.4%). Histological injury was less with CH, while base deficit was significantly higher in CH at the onset of reperfusion (-24 +/- 2 versus UH, -10 +/- 3 and SMAO, -6 +/- 3 mM/L) but comparable by the end (CH, -17 +/- 4 versus UH, -16 +/- 3 and SMAO, -17 +/- 2 mM/L). CONCLUSIONS: SMAO is a clinically relevant model of shock-induced gut ischemia/reperfusion.     

Ischemia-reperfusion injury following superior mesenteric artery occlusion and strangulation obstruction

BACKGROUND: Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a serious and common clinical entity resulting in severe tissue injury. This study was designed to compare IRI in superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion and strangulation obstruction (SO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were assigned randomly to three groups. In the control group, a sham operation was performed. In the SMA occlusion group, a vascular clamp was placed across the SMA to occlude arterial circulation. In the SO group, a 15-cm segment of small intestine was looped to prevent venous circulation. Sixty minutes of ischemia was followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Following reperfusion, biopsies of small intestine were taken to assess morphologic damage, tissue levels of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) as an index of lipid peroxidation reflecting oxygen free radicals (OFR) were determined, and serum biochemical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The levels of tissue MDA were significantly higher in the SO group than in the SMA occlusion group (P < 0.05). Biochemical parameters of SO and SMA occlusion groups were higher than those in the control group and there was a significant difference between the SMA occlusion and the SO models, except for ALP levels. Histopathologically, transmural intestinal damage were present in seven cases of SO and in six cases in the SMA occlusion group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite no significant difference between the two groups in terms of intestinal tissue damage, OFR-induced injury was higher in the strangulation obstruction group.     

An isolated dissecting: aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery: report of a case

We report herein the case of a 56-year-old man found to have an isolated dissecting aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) after he presented with a 3-day history of postprandial epigastralgia of sudden onset. An echogram showed marked dilatation of the SMA and a high level of peripheral echoes in a linear fashion within its lumen. A thin-section contrast enhanced computed tomography revealed a thin flap, separating two distinct well-enhanced lumina. Angiography confirmed the presence of a localized dissecting aneurysm of the SMA. The patient was treated conservatively and has since been followed up as an outpatient. Following the presentation of this case, the problems regarding the diagnosis and management of this rare disease are discussed based on a review of the literature.