Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: An Uncommon Cause of Abdominal Pain Mimicking Gastroenteritis

Abstract

Abdominal pain and vomiting are frequently encountered in the emergency department. We report a 54-year-old man with an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction – superior mesenteric artery syndrome – who presented with epigastric pain and vomiting. Diagnosis is clinical with radiological confirmation by upper gastrointestinal series or computed tomography scan. Most patients respond to conservative and supportive treatment. A minority may need surgical intervention.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Leading to Acute Gastric Dilatation in a Woman with Bulimia

“…6 Patients with SMA syndrome present acutely or chronically with vomiting, nausea, pain and epigastric distention due to small bowel obstruction. 7 The classic presentation is characterised by chronic and progressive symptoms such as postprandial epigastric fullness, sense of repletion, and vomiting. 3 However, presentations can also be acute with minimal preceding symptoms.…”