[Superior mesenteric artery syndrome as a cause of chronic partial intolerance to oral feeding. Report of a case and review of the subject].

INTRODUCTION

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is the obstruction of the duodenum in the third portion due to this artery. We present a case of chronic oral feeding intolerance due to this problem.

CLINICAL CASE

A 24 year-old woman, with a time of evolution of 1 year and a half of postprandial epigastric pain with nausea, vomiting, and loss of 30 kg managed as acid-peptic disease. The patient was studied with gastrointestinal contrast study and endoscopy without conclusive results. The patient was admitted for unstoppable vomiting, malnutrition, and severe dehydration. A laparotomy was performed and SMAS was identified. We performed Treitz's ligament section and gastrojejunoanastomosis. Her clinical outcome was satisfactory and the patient was discharged without complications.

DISCUSSION

SMAS is also called Wilkie's syndrome. SMAS is more frequent in women between the 10 and 39 years. The disease due to the decrease of the angle between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta, to the anomalous origin of this artery, or to the shortening of Treitz's ligament. SMAS may appear as a sudden weight loss. Food intolerance is a predominant symptom. Diagnosis can be made with x-ray studies. Treatment is medical or surgical, with Treitz's ligament section, duodenojejunoanastomosis, and in some cases gastrojejunoanastomosis.

CONCLUSIONS

SMAS should be considered as no the differential diagnosis of chronic oral feeding intolerance.