Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in Traumatic Brain Injury: A case report

ABSTRACT

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare cause of proximal duodenal obstruction resulting from compression of the duodenum by the SMA against the aorta. Risk factors associated with SMAS are prolonged supine position, weight loss and decreased abdominal wall muscle tone; all of which are frequently accompanied with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The following case report describes a patient who developed SMAS in the setting of TBI. This report presents a 16 year old male with TBI who had postprandial epigastric pain, vomiting and weight loss. Computed tomography and upper gastrointestinal series demonstrated the existence of SMAS. The patient was managed conservatively with total parenteral nutrition to obtain a positive nitrogen balance. Physician should consider SMAS in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with abdominal pain and vomiting.