Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Syndrome Los Angeles

video What is Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome?

What is Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome?

Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Syndrome is an uncommon yet serious condition in which the duodenum, the upper section of the small intestine, becomes compressed between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. This compression results in an intestinal obstruction, causing the patient to suffer from intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Symptoms typically arise one to three hours after eating, especially after consuming high-fiber foods like raw vegetables, fruit with skin, or tough meats. The syndrome can be triggered by rapid weight loss and sometimes develops due to an untreated condition known as Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS). Diagnosis of SMA Syndrome relies on CT scan imaging, and treatment may involve nutritional support, lifestyle adjustments, or surgical intervention to alleviate duodenal compression. Danny Shouhed, M.D. is one of the top gastrointestinal surgeons in the Los Angeles area who offers successful Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMA Syndrome) treatment.

Cause and Symptoms of SMA Syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome occurs when the duodenum (the first part of the small intestines) is compressed between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta. This is usually caused by excessive weight loss that results in loss of the mesenteric fat pad that keeps the SMA and abdominal aorta separated. The duodenum can become partially or completely blocked when this occurs.

symptoms of SMA syndrome

Nausea and vomiting (food may be only partially digested)

Feeling full quickly when eating

Abdominal pain

Abdominal bloating

Belching

Weight loss

The symptoms of SMA syndrome can be debilitating. Patients may continue losing weight to the point of anorexia.

SMA Syndrome

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Treatment of SMA Syndrome

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome treatment usually begins with conservative approaches to help the patient gain weight to restore the mesenteric fat pad. However, if conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention becomes an option to relieve duodenal compression.

Board-certified GI surgeon, Dr. Danny Shouhed, renowned for his expertise in treating complex digestive disorders, offers a cutting-edge approach with higher success rates than traditional methods. If you're experiencing SMA Syndrome symptoms or have been diagnosed, schedule an appointment at our Los Angeles office to explore various treatment options. Dr. Shouhed specializes in advanced procedures like robotic duodenal derotation with duodenal duodenostomy, one of the most effective SMA surgeries available today.

Procedure

SMA Surgery

How is SMA Syndrome Related to MALS?

Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Syndrome is a condition that may develop in patients who have unchecked Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS). When MALS is not addressed, patients develop a fear of eating due to severe pain and distressing symptoms, which leads to substantial weight loss. This weight loss causes the fat pad between the abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery to diminish. Consequently, the duodenum, or intestine, may become compressed, resulting in SMA Syndrome, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and additional weight loss. Approximately 1⁄3 of the patients we see in our practice for SMA Syndrome develop the condition because they first had MALS. Additionally, around 10% of patients with MALS will go on to develop SMA Syndrome.