Dynamic ultrasonography for optimizing treatment position in superior mesenteric artery syndrome: Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta (SMA-Ao). Although the left lateral recumbent position is considered effective in the treatment of SMA syndrome, individual variations in the optimal patient position have been noted. In this report, we present two elderly cases of SMA syndrome that exhibited rapid recovery due to ultrasonographic dynamic evaluation of the optimal position for each patient.

CASE SUMMARY

Case 1: A 90-year-old man with nausea and vomiting. Following diagnosis of SMA syndrome by computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US) revealed the SMA-Ao distance in the supine position (4 mm), which slightly improved in the lateral position (5.7-7.0 mm) without the passage of duodenal contents. However, in the sitting position, the SMA-Ao distance was increased to 15 mm accompanied by improved content passage. Additionally, US indicated enhanced passage upon abdominal massage on the right side. By day 2, the patient could eat comfortably with the optimal position and massage. Case 2: An 87-year-old woman with vomiting. After the diagnosis of SMA syndrome and aspiration pneumonia by CT, dynamic US confirmed the optimal position (SMA-Ao distance was improved to 7 mm in forward-bent position, whereas it remained at 5 mm in the supine position). By day 7 when her pneumonia recovered, she could eat with the optimal position.

CONCLUSION

The optimal position for SMA syndrome varies among individuals. Dynamic US appears to be a valuable tool in improving patient outcomes.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome as a Rare Cause of Postoperative Intractable Vomiting: A Case Report

Background

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a very rare cause of proximal intestinal obstruction. The objective of this clinical case report is to highlight that this unusual condition can occur in the early postoperative period and medical management may completely cure the condition.

Clinical Case

A middle-aged female who was being treated for pulmonary tuberculosis underwent exploratory laparotomy with limited ileal resection and a loop ileostomy for multiple ileal perforations. Postoperatively, she was restarted on anti-tubercular drugs (ATD) but developed a drug reaction, recurrent bilious vomiting, and jaundice and ATD had to be stopped. But her vomiting did not abate and she progressively developed septicemia. An abdominal CT scan diagnosed Wilkie's syndrome, and she was managed non-operatively by decubitus, parenteral nutrition, and nasojejunal tube feeding supplemented with prokinetics and antibiotics. But her sepsis did not resolve. Intraoperative histopathology suggested Candida infection, and she recovered only after systemic antifungal therapy.

Discussion

Debilitation conditions like tuberculosis cause weight loss and loss of intra-abdominal fat pad, which is known to precipitate SMA syndrome. However, its presentation in the early post-operative period is rare. Symptoms may vary from non-specific abdominal fullness and weight loss to features of acute bowel obstruction. CECT of whole abdomen can help in confirming the diagnosis. SMA syndrome is often not considered in differential diagnosis and can delay treatment. Medical management is the mainstay treatment option, although surgery is reserved for cases, which fail medical treatment.

Conclusion

High suspicion is needed to diagnose SMA syndrome in the postoperative period, which precipitates with intractable bilious vomiting. Medical management may be curative. The precipitating factor for SMA syndrome should also be addressed to improve the overall patient outcome.

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 in a patient with esophageal stenosis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition, characterized by duodenal obstruction caused by compression of its third part by the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Most cases of SMAS are associated with weight loss, and the most frequent clinical manifestations are nausea, vomiting, postprandial fullness, and abdominal pain. Treatment of SMAS is usually conservative, consisting mainly of adequate nutritional support, but in refractory cases surgery may be necessary, with gastrojejunostomy and duodenojejunostomy being the most commonly performed procedures.

CASE SUMMARY

We describe the case of a man in his forties with a pre-existing diagnosis of esophageal stricture due to sodium hydroxide ingestion, who suffered significant weight loss after replacement of his jejunostomy tube. He was admitted to the hospital due to pain and abdominal distension. A computerized tomography scan showed significant distension of the stomach and duodenum with narrowing of the duodenum at the point at which it is crossed by the superior mesenteric artery, thus establishing the diagnosis of SMAS. Due to the presence of the esophageal stricture, the patient was incapable of emesis; however, passage of a nasogastric tube for decompression was not possible. Considering the risk of gastric perforation due to distention, we opted for surgical treatment in the form of a surgical gastrojejunostomy after which he showed complete resolution of all symptoms and was discharged from the hospital 5 d after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of SMAS can be challenging in patients with esophageal stenosis, and risk of gastric perforation may preclude conservative treatment.

Wilkie’s syndrome as a cause of anxiety-depressive disorder: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a disease with a complex diagnosis, and it is associated with complications that make it even harder to identify. Currently, a frequent association with psychiatric disorders has been noted. Despite numerous case reports and case series, the variability of the disease has not allowed the development of protocols regarding diagnosis and management.

CASE SUMMARY

A 33-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and bile vomiting over the last 15 mo, associated with a 15-kg weight loss over the last three months. After the onset of the symptoms, the patient was diagnosed with anxiety-depressive disorder and treated appropriately. Standard examinations excluded an organic cause, and the cause of the symptoms was considered psychogenic. The persistence of symptoms, even under treatment, prompted a computer tomography angiography examination of the abdomen and pelvis. The examination identified emergence at a sharp angle of 13.7° of the superior mesenteric artery, with a reduced distance between the artery and the anterior wall of the aorta up to a maximum of 8 mm. A diagnosis of aortomesenteric clamp was established. Surgical treatment by laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy was performed. Postoperative evolution was marked by a patent anastomosis at 1 mo, with a 10-kg weight gain and improvement of the associated anxiety.

CONCLUSION

This case report underlines two major aspects. One aspect refers to the predisposition of patients with superior mesenteric artery syndrome to develop psychiatric disorders, with an excellent outcome when proper treatment is administered. The second aspect underlines the key role of a multidisciplinary approach and follow-up.

A rare instance of Wilkie's syndrome in a young male during the holy month of Ramadan

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This is a case report of a young male diagnosed with Superior Mesenteric Artery syndrome during the period of fasting during Ramadan.

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The purpose of this report is to support physicians in a way of considering this as a differential when their patient presents similarly because it is not exclusive only to anorexic persons and can occur in a population that is fasting as well.

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The method of management was conservative and this clarifies that surgery does not necessarily have to be the first line treatment.

Introduction and importance

Wilkie’s syndrome[SMA(Superior Mesenteric Artery) syndrome or Cast syndrome]) is a unique and rare presentation which may be included in the differential diagnosis especially when a Gastric outlet obstruction is being investigated and there is a history of an associated element of rapid weight loss. The purpose of presenting this case report is its uniqueness given a history of intermittent fasting rather than the usual eating disorders.

Case presentation

A crescendo worsening of symptoms of intractable vomiting, inability to eat, upper abdominal gas bloating and post meal abdominal pain since one week in a patient during a period of fasting for the first time had been observed.

Clinical discussion

After initial resuscitation, an ultrasound abdomen and an abdominal x ray revealed a distended stomach and a nasogastric tube was immediately introduced to avoid aspiration. A CT scan of the abdomen with contrast revealed the compressed duodenum in the aortomesenteric angle and the diagnosis of SMA syndrome was confirmed. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was also done to rule out other causes and it was found to be normal.

Conclusion

In an acute presentation, the response to conservative management is remarkable and in the absence of any possible future reoccurrences the surgical options may be avoided. High index of suspicion, appropriate radiological diagnosis and stepwise treatment options may guide the troubled patient towards recovery in this rare presentation. A proper history taking is key in diagnosing such a condition and does not have to be limited to eating disorders, typically.

Wilkie's syndrome as a cause of bowel obstruction in adults: A case report

Background

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is one of the rarest causes of small bowel obstruction.

Clinical case

A 36-year-old female patient, with a medical history of diabetes mellitus type 2, arrived at the emergency department with upper intestinal obstruction; a study protocol is made, integrating the diagnosis of Wilkie's syndrome. We performed a laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy, the patient did well in the post-operative period.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy is a practical option to treat Wilkie's syndrome. It provides definitive treatment with the advantages and benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Epigastric Pain and Weight Loss - A Case of Wilkie's Syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMA syndrome) or Wilkie’s syndrome is a rare etiology of duodenal obstruction due to compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. Physical and laboratory findings are often non-specific but imaging methods are useful for diagnosing the condition. A 46-year-old female patient presented to the outpatient clinic of our internal medicine department with a 2-year history of epigastric pain, nausea, early satiety and weight loss of 15 kg. Previous studies were inconclusive. The patient underwent computed tomography enterography and its findings were consistent with SMA syndrome. Currently the patient is being followed by General Surgery and Nutrition and is under nutritional measures in order to optimize her body mass index to decrease possible surgical complications. This case report emphasizes the importance of clinical suspicion and careful investigation when considering less common etiologies for frequent gastrointestinal symptoms.

Adolescent with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome

The underlying etiologies of paediatric bowel obstruction are wide ranging. It can be divided into proximal and distal bowel obstruction. Amongst the different etiologies of the proximal bowel obstructions at the level of the duodenum, there are a few etiologies including duodenal atresia, internal hernias, intestinal malrotation, annular pancreas etc. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is amongst one of these differential diagnoses which is more prevalent in the adolescent age group. We describe the imaging features of this entity and its demographics, imaging characteristics, treatment and prognosis.

Laparoscopic management for Wilkie´s syndrome

Introduction

Wilkie's syndrome is a rare entity that presents as a chronic intestinal obstruction secondary to mechanical compression of the third portion of the duodenum due to a decreased aorto-mesenteric angle. This entity has a reported incidence of 0.012 to 2.4% and can lead to high morbidity and mortality; In addition, there are major controversies regarding its diagnosis and treatment, which is why the authors present a case report of a patient with a diagnosis of Wilkie's syndrome and its surgical management via laparoscopy.

Methods

A case of a patient with clinical and imaging manifestations of superior mesenteric artery syndrome is presented, along with acritical review of the literature, taking into account articles published in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases during the past 8 years.

Clinical case

A 27-year-old patient with 20 years of abdominal pain that exacerbated one week before admission, with a clinical and imaging manifestations of Wilkie's syndrome. Patient presents refractoriness to medical management, which led to a surgical approach with laparoscopic duodenum-jejunostomy that was carried out without perioperative complications and satisfactory results.

Discussion and conclusions

The superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare entity that in some scenarios requires surgical management. The laparoscopic duodeno-jejunostomy is the procedure of choice to manage this entity as evidenced in our case, which is also consistent with what is reported in the world medical literature.

Delayed Diagnosis of an Eating Disorder in a Male Patient With Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: Results From a Case Study

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are serious and life-threatening mental diseases characterized by abnormal or altered eating habits. The prevalence is variable, being influenced by diverse sociocultural factors. Historically, the prevalence of EDs has been higher in women (90%), although the incidence of these disorders in men appears to be increasing. In daily medical practice, when considering the presentation of other medical complications associated to the development of an ED, few is known about its real prevalence in men. Among them, some severe gastrointestinal complications that are rarely presented, such as the superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS), can produce life-threatening results. Despite that, very few cases of men presenting this pathology are reported in literature. Case Presentation: A 38-year-old man without a history of psychiatric disease was admitted to the emergency department with nausea, abdominal pain, and severe malnutrition (body mass index 15.7 kg/m²). He was diagnosed with SMAS and was studied by multiple specialists on suspicion of a probable organic origin of his thinning. The suspected diagnosis of ED was rejected for months by some professionals, as well as by the patient and his family, until it was finally diagnosed with unspecified feeding and eating disorder (USFED). Conclusion: This case represents an example of diagnostic challenge where a delayed diagnosis of an ED in a male patient was made probably due to gender bias in clinical research and practice. In the literature, numerous reports were described in women diagnosed with SMAS with a previous diagnosis of an ED; however, few cases were found in men. In this clinical case, the patient suffered a significant diagnostic delay, probably due to the lack of diagnostic suspicion given by the differences in the prevalence and clinical presentation of EDs in women and men.

Wilkie's syndrome in monozygotic twins treated by 3-D laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is a rare cause of proximal duodenum obstruction in children. Here, we describe the first pediatric case of superior mesenteric artery syndrome in monozygotic twin brothers. Both patients underwent 3-D laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy at the same age with an uneventful recovery.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in association with Abdominal Tuberculosis: An Eye Opener

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) is a rare clinical entity presenting as acute or chronic upper gastrointestinal obstruction. It occurs due to compression of third part of duodenum between abdominal aorta and overlying superior mesenteric artery caused by a decrease in angle between the two vessels. Rapid loss of retroperitoneal fat, in conditions leading to severe weight loss is the main factor responsible for this disorder. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in association with abdominal tuberculosis has not been reported earlier to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, an unknown cause (SMAS) of upper gastrointestinal obstruction in a patient of abdominal tuberculosis is being presented for the first time through this case report. An imaging diagnosis of SMAS was made on contrast enhanced CT abdomen which also confirmed the clinical suspicion of abdominal tuberculosis in the patient. The patient was managed conservatively and recovered without requiring any surgical intervention for the obstructive symptoms.

Wilkie's syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is a rare vascular disease caused by the anomalous course of the superior mesenteric artery arising from the abdominal aorta with a smaller angle than the norm (<22°). The reduced angle compresses the structures situated between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery, such as the duodenum and left renal vein; this can determine painful crises, intestinal subocclusions, and left varicocele. This syndrome can be congenital or acquired. The acquired type is more common and is generally caused by reduced perivascular fat surrounding the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery; this form is common among anorexic patients that have had a rapid weight loss. We present the case of a female patient who suffered from repeated postprandial vomiting and who lost 12 kg in 4 months. B-mode ultrasound imaging revealed evidence of a reduced angle between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery, as found in Wilkie's syndrome. After diagnosis, the patient followed a high-calorie diet, and 2 months later an ultrasound scan proved the restoration of the aorto-mesenteric angle as a consequence of increased perivascular fat with regression of symptoms.

Laparoscopic management of a complicated case of Wilkie's syndrome: A case report

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Surgical intervention is the mainstay in complicated cases of SMA syndrome and in refractory cases to conservative management.

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Successful management of a complicated case of Wilkie’s Syndrome via duodenojeujenostomy is feasible using a laparoscopic approach.

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Advantages of laparoscopic approach over open surgery include rapid recovery time, reduced post-operative pain and shorter hospital stay.

Introduction

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome also known as Wilkie’s syndrome is a rare condition caused by the entrapment of the third part of the duodenum between the aorta and the SMA. The incidence of Wilkie’s syndrome range between 0.013% and 0.3%. The normal angle between the aorta and SMA has been described to range between 38° and 65°, whereas in Wilkie’s syndrome this angle is reduced to less than 20° causing gastric outlet obstruction.

Case presentation

We report a case of a previously diagnosed 43 year-old male with SMA syndrome, whom had been conservatively managed for 5-years for recurrent admissions with symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction. During his last admission, CT abdomen demonstrated gastric pneumatosis and portal venous gas requiring urgent surgical intervention. Duodenojejunostomy was successfully performed using laparoscopic technique.

Discussion

SMA syndrome is thought to occur secondary to the rapid and excessive weight loss leading to the reduction of the mesenteric fat around the aorta and SMA, thereby reducing the normal angle between the two arteries. Conservative medical management is usually the first line of treatment in uncomplicated cases. Surgical management is usually reserved only after failed conservative management or complicated cases, at which time either an open or laparoscopic surgical approach is undertaking.

Conclusion

Surgical intervention is the mainstay in complicated cases of SMA syndrome and in refractory cases to conservative management. Advantages of laparoscopic approach over open surgery include rapid recovery time, reduced post-operative pain and shorter hospital stay.

Superior Mesentric Artery Syndrome in a Patient with Subacute Intestinal Obstruction: A Case Report

Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) syndrome is one of the rare cause of proximal small bowel obstruction wherein, the third part of the duodenum is compressed between the SMA at its origin and abdominal aorta due to decreased angulations in these two vessels. This decreased angulation exerts a compression effect on third part of the duodenum, resulting in duodenal obstruction which may be complete or partial. There are number of causes which can lead to this entity and will be discussed briefly. Here we report imaging findings of such a rare cause of proximal small bowel obstruction in a young male patient who presented to the emergency surgical department with non specific symptoms of pain abdomen and abdominal fullness. Patient was evaluated under the standard protocol in management of abdominal pain. General physical examination, erect and supine radiograph were taken. On barium meal follow-through examination, there was paucity of contrast agent distal to the second part of duodenum with proximal dilation of stomach, first and second part of duodenum which raised us the possibility of SMA syndrome. Reconstructed CECT abdomen confirmed the decreased angulation between SMA and abdominal aorta and diagnosed it as SMA syndrome. Findings were correlated on duodenojejunostomy anastomotic surgical procedure. Diagnosing and reporting such a case of SMA syndrome is of utmost importance because the clinical presentation being non-specific pertaining to small bowel obstruction which may pose a diagnostic difficulty to the surgeon and with the further delay in diagnosis, patients may end up with chronic symptoms and complications of the disease, repeated hospital visits and electrolyte abnormalities.

Wilkie's Syndrome and Left Adnexal Mass: Unusual Presentation of Duodenal Adenocarcinoma

Duodenal adenocarcinoma (DACa) is a rare malignancy, the presenting symptoms of which are vague and nonspecific. We report the case of a patient presenting with symptoms of subacute small bowel obstruction whose CT scan revealed i) left adnexal mass and ii) compression of 3(rd) portion of duodenum with reduced aortomesentric angle consistent with Wilkie's syndrome (WS). Laparatomy in addition revealed a distal duodenal stricture, which showed a well differentiated DACa causing subtotal intestinal obstruction. The ovarian mass revealed adenocarcinoma with similar morphology. Immunophenotypic analysis revealed positive expression of CK 20 and CDX 2 and absence of CK 7 staining in the tumours consistent with Primary DACa with ovarian metastasis. We further concluded that the WS resulted from reduced mesenteric fat pad caused by DACa induced cachexia. The case highlights the elusive nature of duodenal malignancy and emphasises the importance of meticulous small bowel examination during exploration of ovarian masses.

Rosai-Dorfman disease with exclusive intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy masquerading as Wilkie's syndrome

Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare histiocytic proliferative disorder with a distinctive microscopic appearance. Patients usually present with nonspecific symptoms and massive cervical lymphadenopathy. Exclusive involvement of intra-abdominal lymph nodes is unusual and presentation mimicking Wilkie's syndrome due to compression of the third part of the duodenum by enlarged retroduodenal lymph nodes is rare. This entity should be included in the differential diagnosis with infectious, granulomatous and malignant causes of intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy. We highlight an uncommon presentation and discuss the challenges in the diagnosis and management of Rosai-Dorfman disease.

Malignant Tumor at D-4 Mimicking Wilkie's Syndrome

Primary carcinoma of the duodenum is rare. Here we present a case of megaduodenum due to duodenal adenocarcinoma mimicking Wilkie's syndrome which was managed by resection and anastomosis.