[Superior mesenteric artery syndrome]

[Aorto-mesenteric compression syndrome in children: report of a case]

Le syndrome de la pince aorto-mésentérique résulte de la compression du troisième duodénum entre l'artère mésentérique supérieure et l'aorte. Elle détermine un tableau d'occlusion intestinale haute aiguë ou chronique. Nous faisons une revue de la littérature à partir d'un cas de syndrome de la pince aorto-mésentérique. Il s'agit d'un nourrisson de 16 mois suivi pour des vomissements alimentaires évoluant depuis l’âge de 03 mois et rebelles au traitement médical. Il s'agit de vomissements postprandiaux tardifs d'apparition intermittente, améliorés par la position de décubitus ventral. Le bilan radiologique composé d'une radiographie de l'abdomen sans préparation, d'un transit oeso-gastroduodénal (TOGD) et d'un angioscanner a permis d'aboutir au diagnostic d'obstruction extrinsèque et incomplète du 3ème duodénum par la pince aorto-mésentérique. Une dérivation interne par duodéno-jéjunostomie sur anse en oméga a permis de contourner l'obstacle vasculaire avec des suites simples. Le TOGD de contrôle du 9ème jour postopératoire a montré une bonne perméabilité de l'anastomose duodéno-jéjunale. Les vomissements ont disparu et on note un gain pondéral de 2 kg en 3 mois. Les vomissements chroniques chez le nourrisson sont d’étiologies variées. L'obstacle siégeant au 3ème duodénum est le plus souvent dû à une pince aorto-mésentérique. Malheureusement ce diagnostic est rarement porté surtout en Afrique probablement du fait de l'insuffisance des moyens diagnostiques en particulier dans les zones reculées. Le traitement peut être fait par les moyens chirurgicaux ou nutritionnels.

Chronic bilious vomiting in children in developing countries due to high bowel obstruction: not always malrotation or tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Bilious vomiting, in conjunction with abdominal pain is considered to be a surgical problem, unless proved otherwise. In children, besides tuberculosis (TB), we have found jejunal stricture (JS) due to non-specific jejunoileitis (NSJI) to be an important cause of chronic high small bowel obstruction and bilious vomiting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, the records of all children with complaint of intermittent bilious vomiting and failure to thrive were evaluated. Investigations included oral contrast study, ultrasound abdomen, chest X-ray and Mantoux test. Final confirmation was made at laparotomy. Treatment included jejuno-jejunal resection and anastomosis. Histopathology of the specimen was done to look for caseation, granuloma formation and other details.

RESULTS

Out of total 100 patients with the complaint of bilious vomiting, 25 were having JS. Radiologic confirmation was possible in 19 (76%) patients of JS. No patient had evidence of TB as per our protocol. Histopathology revealed non-specific ischemic changes in all specimens.

CONCLUSION

Jejunal stricture due to NSJI is a common entity in our setup leading to bilious vomiting. Contrast study can provide high index of suspicion in most of the patients. The diagnosis must be confirmed after proper histopathological examination. The results of the surgery are excellent.

[Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: a case report]

Superior mesenteric artery syndrom is a condition triggered by the compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta.

OBSERVATIONS

A twenty-one year old woman with a significant past history of neurological disease was referred for bilious vomiting and epigastric pain. The diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery syndrom was established by abdominal CT-scan. A laterolateral duodenojejunostomy was performed by laparotomy. After six months follow-up, this patient was asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

Superior mesenteric artery syndrom can be easily diagnosed by abdominal CT-scan. Diagnosis and management of this infrequent syndrom are reviewed.

[Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: a cause of vomiting in children. Report of 3 cases]

Duodenal obstruction by Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) is a misdiagnosed vomiting syndrome in children. Several factors are involved, including rapid weight loss, rapid statural growth without weight augmentation. Diagnosis is suspected when an improvement is achieved by ventral decubitus and it is confirmed by plain films of the abdomen, GI study with barium and echography, measuring the aortomesenteric angle (inferior to 25-30 degrees ). Patients must at first be treated conservatively. Surgery is indicated for occlusive episodes with unsuccessful conservative therapy. The authors report 3 cases with different clinical presentation. However, all the patients presented important weight loss and vomiting.

[Superior mesenteric artery syndrome]

The superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare complication of spine surgery. A series of four patients who experienced a SMAS after surgery for either post-traumatic quadriplegia, paraplegia or scoliosis is reported. SMAS is a condition in which the third portion of the duodenum is squeezed between the superior mesenteric artery anteriorly, and the aorta and vertebral column posteriorly. Weight loss is the major factor of development of a SMAS. Other causes include either spine surgery or trauma or application of a body cast. Delay in diagnosis may result in death. Diagnosis is obtained with either a CT scan with injection and oral contrast medium or an upper gastro-intestinal X-ray study. The latter allows the insertion of a feeding tube beyond the obstruction. A conservative treatment is started for correction of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, and followed by nasojejunal feeding. Surgery is indicated in case of failure of conservative treatment.

Arteriomesenteric syndrome as a cause of duodenal obstruction in children with cerebral palsy

Two cases of gastroduodenal outlet obstruction caused by arteriomesenteric compression in children who have cerebral palsy are reported. Clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction include recurrent postprandial nausea and vomiting, upper abdominal distension, and pain. In such patients, multiple predisposing factors can contribute to the development of arteriomesenteric compression, including marked weight loss, supine position, and severe scoliosis. Upper gastrointestinal x-rays using barium contrast allow diagnostic confirmation. In our experience, this cause of acute gastroduodenal outlet obstruction may usually resolve after conservative treatment using a jejunal feeding tube passed beyond the compression, left lateral positioning, and renutrition.