Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A report of three cases

Abstract

The superior mesenteric artery syndrome has been associated with a variety of pathologic states. The factors predisposing to such vascular compression are not entirely clear. It is a true syndrome with a characteristic clinical picture, although some clinicians continue to question whether it is a distinct entity. In the past 15 years we have treated 3 such cases, all of them were confirmed by operation. It is our purpose to report these cases in order to call attention to this condition. In this article, the clinical pictures, pathogenesis and treatment of superior mesenteric artery syndrome are discussed. Our experiences reconfirmed the effectiveness of duodenojejunostomy in the treatment of this syndrome.