What is superior mesenteric artery SMA syndrome?
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a digestive condition that occurs when the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) is compressed between two arteries (the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery). This compression causes partial or complete blockage of the duodenum.
How is SMA syndrome diagnosed?
A diagnosis can be confirmed by imaging studies such as an upper GI series (x-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum), hypotonic duodenography (an x-ray procedure that produces images of the duodenum), and computed tomography (CT scan).
Is superior mesenteric artery syndrome real?
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome (known as Wilkie’s syndrome) is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction. It is an acquired disorder in which acute angulation of the SMA causes compression of the third part of the duodenum between the SMA and the aorta.
Is SMA syndrome fatal?
DISCUSSION. SMA syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening cause of abdominal pain. Traditional patient populations include young females with anorexia or hyperemetic states and history of rapid weight loss.
Is SMA syndrome serious?
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie’s syndrome or Benign duodenal stasis, is a rare benign disease. It could threaten the life if the manifestation is severe and the treatment is inappropriate.
Is SMAS treatable?
As yet, there is no complete cure for SMA. However, the discovery of the genetic cause of SMA has led to the development of several treatment options that affect the genes involved in SMA — a gene replacement therapy called Zolgensma, and two drugs, called nusinersen (Spinraza) and risdiplam (Evyrsdi).
Is SMAS curable?
What are the possible outcomes of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome? SMAS is a medically treatable cause of small bowel obstruction with an overall good prognosis. Conservative medical treatment with nutritional rehabilitation is the least risky of treatment options and is successful in the majority of patients.
How do you eat with SMA syndrome?
Some individuals may be able to tolerate small, frequent meals or a liquid or soft diet. In contrast, other individuals may not be able to tolerate oral or gastric enteral feeding at all, in which case, nasojejunal feeding or parenteral nutrition may be needed.
How do you get superior mesenteric artery syndrome?
The most common cause of this condition is significant weight loss as is often associated with medical disorders, psychological disorders, or surgery. As someone loses weight rapidly the normal fat that exists in the abdomen can shrink and cause the angle of the SMA to change, now putting pressure on the intestine.