Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in type 1 diabetes masquerading as gastroparesis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and discuss a case of superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) presenting with gastrointestinal signs and symptoms mistakenly attributed to, and treated as, diabetic gastroparesis.


METHODS
A case report was compiled describing the clinical presentation, including history and physical examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a patient with type 1 diabetes presenting with gastrointestinal complications.


RESULTS
Clinical suspicion combined with the appropriate radiological evaluation led to a diagnosis of SMAS, with classic findings of reduced aortomesenteric angle and distance. Surgical intervention resulted in resolution of symptoms and recovery of glycemic control.


CONCLUSIONS
The possibility of SMAS should be considered in patients with type 1 diabetes presenting with gastrointestinal symptomatology, especially when associated with weight loss.
Meneghini
Luigi F
LF
Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. lmeneghi@med.miami.edu
Hogan
Anthony R
AR
Selvaggi
Gennaro
G
D000293:Adolescent; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D018589:Gastroparesis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D013478:Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed