Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: an uncommon cause of upper intestinal obstruction.

A previously healthy young boy who was operated for upper gastrointestinal obstruction, 12 weeks earlier, without relief of his symptoms of projectile bilious emesis and colicky pain, is described. He underwent upper gastrointestinal contrast studies, suggesting duodenal obstruction at its third part and superior mesenteric artery syndrome, which was confirmed by selective superior mesenteric arteriography. Duodenojejunostomy was carried out. The patient was symptom-free with normal built and growth after 4 years of follow-up.