Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Complicated by Gastric Mucosal Necrosis Following Congenital Scoliosis Surgery: A Case Report

Possible familial predisposition in superior mesenteric artery syndrome with surgical management: A case report

RATIONALE

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) Syndrome is a rare gastrointestinal disorder caused by compression of the third part of the duodenum between the SMA and the aorta due to a reduced aortomesenteric angle. While most cases are sporadic, familial patterns suggest a possible genetic predisposition. This report presents a case of SMA syndrome in a 16-year-old male, with a familial occurrence, raising suspicion of possible genetic correlation.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 16-year-old male presented with chronic food intolerance, bilious vomiting, early satiety, and epigastric pain for over 4 years, along with significant weight loss (37-30 kg). His symptoms were exacerbated postprandially and improved with positional changes.

DIAGNOSES

Ultrasound raised suspicion of SMA compression, which was confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging showing a reduced aortomesenteric angle of 18.2° consistent with SMA syndrome.

INTERVENTIONS

Conservative management, including nutritional support and proton pump inhibitors, failed to alleviate symptoms. Therefore, the patient underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy without complications.

OUTCOMES

The patient tolerated a full fluid diet postoperatively, experienced regular bowel movements, and was discharged 3 days after surgery. Follow-up care included imaging, endoscopy, and laboratory testing to monitor nutritional and metabolic status.

LESSONS

This case highlights the potential familial predisposition to SMA syndrome, emphasizing the need for further studies on genetic components. It also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and individualized management strategies, including surgical interventions, for refractory cases.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome following spine surgery in idiopathic adolescent scoliosis: a systematic review

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare and unpredictable complication after correction spine surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The management of this condition is poorly investigated, with controversial outcomes. This investigation systematically reviewed current evidence on pathogenesis, risk factors, management, and outcomes of SMAS following correction spine surgery for AIS. The present systematic review was conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA statement. All the included investigations reported SMAS presentation following scoliosis correction surgery in AIS. 29 articles with 61 eligible patients were included in this review. The mean age of the patients was 15.8 ± 7.2 years. The mean weight was 45.3 ± 8.0 kg, the mean height 159.6 ± 13.6 cm, and the mean BMI 16.5 ± 2.9 kg/m2. The mean duration of the treatment for SMAS was 21.6 ± 10.3 days. The mean interval between spine surgery and symptoms of SAMS was 69 days, with high between-studies variability (3 days to 4 years). Prompt identification of risk factors and an early diagnosis are necessary to manage SMAS and reduce the risk of complications. Additional investigations are required to establish risk factors and diagnostic criteria.Level of evidence Level IV, systematic review.

Single Anastomosis Sleeve Jejunal Bypass in Acute Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: A Case Report

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare vascular compression syndrome in which the duodenum is compressed between the aorta and the overlying superior mesenteric artery. This condition is often chronic and secondary to cachexia. It can trigger further weight loss due to the subsequent proximal intestinal obstruction, causing a positive feedback loop. We report a case of acute presentation of superior mesenteric artery syndrome, complicated by gastric necrosis and treated surgically using the principles of a novel bariatric procedure.

Incidence and Potential Risk Factors of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome After Spinal Corrective Surgery in Patients with Adult Spinal Deformity

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the incidence and potential risk factors of superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) after corrective spinal surgery in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD).

METHODS

In total, 102 patients (67.6 ± 8.4 years; 8 male/94 female; body mass index (BMI); 22.4 ± 3.6 kg/m2) with ASD treated by spinal correction surgery were enrolled. Preoperative and postoperative spinal parameters, including thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK: T10-L2) and upper lumbar lordosis (ULL: L1-L4) were measured. To evaluate the potential risk factors of SMAS, the angle and the distance between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta, the aortomesenteric angle (AMA) and aortomesenteric distance (AMD), were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Based on the postoperative AMA, AMD, and abdominal symptoms, the patients were diagnosed with SMAS. Correlations between demographic data or spinal parameters and AMA and AMD were assessed.

RESULTS

Two (2.0%) patients were diagnosed with SMAS. Postoperative TLK significantly correlated with postoperative AMA (P = 0.013, 0.046). Postoperative ULL was significantly correlated with postoperative AMD (β = -0.27; P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of SMAS after corrective spinal surgery in patients with ASD was 2.0%. Postoperative smaller TLK and greater ULL can be risk factors for developing SMAS. Spine surgeons should avoid overcorrection of the upper lumbar spine in the sagittal plane to prevent SMAS.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: Diagnosis and management

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome (also known as Wilkie's syndrome, cast syndrome, or aorto-mesenteric compass syndrome) is an obstruction of the duodenum caused by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta. The median age of patients is 23 years old (range 0-91 years old) and predominant in females over males with a ratio of 3:2. The symptoms are variable, consisting of postprandial abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, early satiety, anorexia, and weight loss and can mimic anorexia nervosa or functional dyspepsia. Because recurrent vomiting leads to aspiration pneumonia or respiratory depression via metabolic alkalosis, early diagnosis is required. The useful diagnostic modalities are computed tomography as a standard tool and ultrasonography, which has advantages in safety and capability of real-time assessments of SMA mobility and duodenum passage. The initial treatment is usually conservative, including postural change, gastroduodenal decompression, and nutrient management (success rates: 70%-80%). If conservative therapy fails, surgical treatment (i.e., laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy) is recommended (success rates: 80%-100%).

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Following Scoliosis Surgery: A Systematic Review of Case Reports

BACKGROUND

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a well-recognized, rare complication of undergoing surgical correction of a spinal deformity. The objective of this study was to summarize the best available evidence on SMA syndrome treatment after scoliosis surgery. To identify differences, special attention was paid to scoliosis pathology, intervention and SMA syndrome presentation.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed on SMA syndrome following scoliosis surgery. The Web of Science, PubMed, Wanfang (Chinese) and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for articles from January 1971 to October 2020. The main subjects discussed are scoliosis pathology, intervention and SMA syndrome presentation.

RESULTS

A total of 32 articles with 52 cases were included in our report. The mean age of patients with SMA syndrome following scoliosis surgery was 14.7 ± 2.9 years and the majority (n = 42, 80.8%) were girls. The most frequently reported scoliosis type was adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (n = 34, 65.4%). The mean postoperative days (POD) (interval between the surgical treatment and the onset of symptoms) was 9.6 ± 9.5 days. Different treatment methods were analyzed in 46 patients. We noted a trend toward a higher percentage of patients with POD < 48 hr in the group with surgical treatment than in the conservative treatment group (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

In summary, in this systematic review, for the first time, we found that the time of onset of postoperative symptoms can be used as an important reference index for surgical intervention. We also believe that recommendations about the treatment of SMA syndrome following scoliosis surgery should include this finding. Given the lack of robust clinical evidence, these findings warrant verification in a prospective multicenter screening trial.