Phytobezoar mimicking superior mesenteric artery syndrome in acute duodenal obstruction: a case report and review of literature.

Bezoars and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome are uncommon causes of duodenal obstruction. SMA syndrome is often suspected if radiological features such as reduced aortomesenteric angle and distance are observed. Other pathologies such as an obstructing bezoar should be investigated and treated first before a diagnosis of SMA syndrome is made. In this manuscript, we present a case of an obstructing duodenal bezoar initially misdiagnosed as SMA syndrome, and highlight the importance of thorough upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to the level of the third duodenal segment in all cases of suspected SMA syndrome.