Superior mesenteric artery syndrome

The syndrome often appears after surgery. Other causes include chronic weight loss, nutritional disorders, anatomical abnormalities, and localized pathological body processes. The commonality of causes lies in the position of the physiological angle between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. The syndrome is expected when the angle decreases from a normal position between 38 and 56 degrees by about 6-25 degrees.

Patients suffer from severe upper abdominal pain and food intolerance associated with nausea and vomiting. There is consequently a malnutrition. The syndrome is difficult to distinguish from an eating disorder.

Women are more affected than men and the manifestation peak is between 10 and 39 years of age.