title: A pediatric AIDS patient with superior mesenteric artery syndrome.
abstract: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a unique type of small bowel obstruction resulting from the compression of the duodenum by the SMA. This is a case of SMA syndrome in a cachectic 6-year-old boy with AIDS who presented after a 2.3-kg weight loss in the preceding month. Unfamiliarity with this condition coupled with its intermittent, nonspecific symptomatology probably results in underdiagnosis of SMA syndrome. The presentation, predisposing and associated factors, and methods of diagnosis and treatment of SMA syndrome are all discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, New York 10025, USA.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Arpadi
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013478:Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome