An uncommon cause of sub‐acute intestinal obstruction in young adult: Wilkie's syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is a rare disease presenting as an acute abdomen. It has a clinical presentation similar to intestinal obstruction and is often missed during diagnosis. Reduced weight leading to loss of fat pad between SMA and aorta is the main pathophysiology. Diagnosis is made through barium meal and CT scan. Conservative management remains the treatment of choice; however, surgery is opted for in refractory cases. Key Clinical Message Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is a rare disease presenting as an acute abdomen with clinical features similar to intestinal obstruction. This is a case of SMA syndrome in an adult male with a decrease in aortomesenteric angle, with no predisposing condition. Summary diagram of anatomical structures involved in Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome. Left: Healthy patient with regular aorto‐mesenteric angle and distance. Right: apatient with duodenal compression due to SMA syndrome.