Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (Wilkie's syndrome) complicating recovery from posterior fossa surgery in a child--a rare phenomenon.
BACKGROUND
Superior mesenteric artery or Wilkie's syndrome is defined as compression of the third part of duodenum by superior mesenteric artery. It has not been previously reported in children after neurosurgical procedures.


METHODS
We present the case of a child who had persistent vomiting after surgery for posterior fossa astrocytoma complicated by low pressure hydrocephalus.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite eventual hydrocephalus control, vomiting persisted, and she was diagnosed with superior mesenteric artery syndrome, this being confirmed radiologically and settled with appropriate nutritional management.
Bhattacharya
Debarata
D
Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
Kamel
Mahmoud
M
McAuley
David
D
D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D015192:Infratentorial Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography; D035583:Rare Diseases; D013478:Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology