Abstract

CASTANO LLANO, Rodrigo; CHAMS ANTURI, Abraham; ARANGO VARGAS, Paula  and  GARCIA VALENCIA, Álvaro. Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome or Wilkie Syndrome. Rev Col Gastroenterol [online]. 2009, vol.24, n.2, pp.200-209. ISSN 0120-9957.

We described three cases of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie’s syndrome, chronic duodenal ileus, or cast syndrome. This syndrome occurs when the third portion of the duodenum is compressed between the SMA and the aorta. The major risk factors for development of SMA syndrome are rapid weight loss and surgical correction of spinal deformities. The clinical presentation of SMA syndrome is variable and nonspecific, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss. The diagnosis is based on endoscopic, radiographic and tomographic findings of duodenal compression by the SMA. The treatment of SMA syndrome is aimed at the precipitating factor, which usually is related to weight loss. Therefore, conservative therapy with nutritional supplementation is the initial approach, and surgery is reserved for those who do not respond to nutritional therapy.

Keywords : Superior Mesenteric Syndrome; Wilkie Syndrome; Duodenal Obstruction; Acute Weight loss.

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