An Underrated Diagnosis of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (Wilkie’s syndrome) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction caused by a congenital or acquired reduction of the aorto-mesenteric angle leading to duodenal compression. We present the case of a 51-year-old female patient with a previous history of breast cancer. She was admitted to the Emergency Department with acute onset of recurrent vomiting, intense abdominal pain especially in the epigastric region, and abdominal distension. The ultrasound showed an absence of lower abdominal quadrants with an enlarged and distended stomach reaching the pelvis. The computer tomography scans confirmed the diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Conservative management was implemented, and using a nasogastric tube, and upped endoscopy approximately 4000 mL of fluid were aspirated with clinical improvement shortly after. The patient resumed a high-calorie diet and five months later, the patient was completely asymptomatic.

Keywords

• superior mesenteric artery syndrome
• Wilkie’s syndrome
• intestinal obstruction