Superior mesenteric artery syndrome mimicking gastric outlet obstruction: a case report and a literature review

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction, may present with clinical features mimicking gastric outlet obstruction. The authors present a case of a 65-year-old gentleman who presented to our institute with complaints of sudden onset abdominal distension and multiple episodes of bilious vomiting for 4 days. On examination, he was cachexic and dehydrated and was diagnosed later with SMA syndrome based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen findings. After the diagnosis of SMA syndrome was made, the patient was planned for the operation. On exploration, a hugely distended stomach dilated first and the second part of the duodenum with SMA compressing the third part of the duodenum was found for which duodenojejunostomy was done. The high degree of suspicion is necessary for cachectic patients presenting with features of gastric outlet obstruction to diagnose SMA syndrome. Physical examination supported by radiological investigations can diagnose SMA syndrome to some extent. Treatment should be focused on relieving obstruction along with fluid and electrolyte resuscitation and nutritional supplementation. Some cases may require surgical correction.