Have you ever felt so full after just a few bites of food that continuing to eat seemed impossible? For people with superior mesenteric artery (SMA) Syndrome, this feeling is their daily reality. This rare condition occurs when the third portion of your duodenum — the first part of your small intestine — gets squeezed between two important blood vessels: the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. This compression creates a bottleneck effect, preventing food from moving through properly and causing serious digestive problems. 

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, SMA Syndrome affects only about 0.013% to 0.3% of the general population in the United States, making it extremely uncommon but incredibly troublesome for those who experience it. While its rarity often leads to delayed diagnosis, understanding this condition can significantly improve the ability to recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment.

Read on to discover more about the causes and risk factors of developing SMA and where to find the best SMA surgeon in Los Angeles. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome doesn't just happen randomly — several specific factors can trigger this uncomfortable condition: 

  • Rapid weight loss is a leading cause of SMA, as it reduces the protective fat pad that normally keeps the duodenum safely cushioned between blood vessels. This commonly affects people recovering from serious illnesses, eating disorders, or those who've undergone bariatric surgery. 
  • Some people are simply born with anatomical differences, such as a narrower-than-normal angle between the aorta and SMA, making them naturally more susceptible to developing this condition. 
  • Certain surgical procedures, particularly scoliosis correction surgery, can shift the body's internal architecture and inadvertently compress the duodenum. 
  • Athletes, particularly those in high-endurance sports requiring lean body mass, and individuals with prolonged bed rest may also be at increased risk due to changes in body positioning and weight distribution.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of SMA?

People with superior mesenteric artery syndrome experience a cluster of uncomfortable digestive symptoms that significantly impact their daily lives. Abdominal pain stands out as the most common complaint, typically striking shortly after eating and concentrating in the upper abdomen. This stomach pain can range from a dull ache to sharp discomfort that worsens when lying flat. Other common symptoms include:

  • Nausea and vomiting frequently follow meals as food struggles to move past the compressed duodenum, creating a backup in the digestive system. 
  • Many patients also report early satiety, which is feeling uncomfortably full after eating just a small amount of food. This premature fullness leads many to avoid eating altogether, contributing to further weight loss and potentially worsening the condition. 

Additional symptoms may also include bloating, heartburn, and in severe cases, malnutrition and significant weight loss as the body struggles to obtain adequate nutrition.

Getting a Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Diagnosis in Los Angeles

Getting a proper diagnosis for SMA requires a combination of medical tests and careful symptom evaluation by a medical practitioner who is well-versed in medical conditions that affect the digestive system. Typically, a doctor will start by listening to your symptom history and performing a physical examination, looking for patterns distinguishing SMA Syndrome from other digestive disorders. 

Imaging studies, particularly CT scans with contrast, are key diagnostic tools for SMA. These scans can clearly show the narrowed passage between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. An upper gastrointestinal series, also known as a barium swallow test, may also be used to observe how food moves through the digestive tract, often revealing the characteristic blockage. 

Once diagnosed, treatment focuses first on nutritional support, sometimes involving special or feeding tube techniques to help patients regain weight and restore the protective fat cushion around the duodenum. If these conservative approaches don't work, surgical options like duodenojejunostomy, which creates a new connection to bypass the compressed area, may be necessary to provide lasting relief from SMA symptoms.

What are the Prognosis and Possible Complications of SMA?

The future outlook for someone with superior mesenteric artery syndrome largely depends on how quickly they receive proper diagnosis and treatment. When caught early, most patients respond well to treatment and can expect significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. However, if SMA Syndrome goes unrecognized or untreated for extended periods, serious complications can develop:

  1. Malnutrition becomes a major concern as the body struggles to absorb adequate nutrients, leading to weight loss, muscle wasting, and weakened immunity. 
  2. Dangerous electrolyte imbalances may also occur, which may affect heart function and other vital processes. 
  3. In the most severe untreated cases, the constant pressure and obstruction can weaken the intestinal wall, potentially resulting in perforation — a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgery. 

These complications highlight the importance of raising awareness of SMA syndrome among medical professionals and the public. Promptly recognizing the distinctive pattern of symptoms can make the difference between a straightforward recovery and a prolonged health condition, and that’s how the best Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome surgeon in Los Angeles can help. 

Where to Find the Best Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Doctor in Los Angeles

When facing the challenges of superior mesenteric artery syndrome, Dr. Danny Shouhed brings both technical precision and genuine compassion to each case. 

As a board-certified GI surgeon specializing in complex digestive disorders, Dr. Shouhed approaches SMA with innovative, precise techniques that minimize recovery time while maximizing results. His mastery of robotic duodenal derotation with duodenal duodenostomy — considered the gold standard for surgical SMA treatment — reflects his commitment to offering patients the most effective treatment options. 

With deep roots in Los Angeles and elite training from Cedars Sinai and Mount Sinai Hospital, Dr. Shouhed combines world-class expertise with an understanding of the local community. He is also committed to staying at the forefront of digestive medicine, ensuring his patients benefit from the latest advancements in SMA treatment.

Ready to take the first step toward reclaiming digestive health with the best SMA surgeon in Los Angeles?