title: [Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (Wilkie syndrome): case report].
abstract: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is an uncommon cause of upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction. The syndrome results from compression of the third portion of duodenum as it crosses underneath the superior mesenteric artery, related to conditions that reduce the aortomesenteric angle (acute weight loss) or after scoliosis surgery. Patients may present symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction, such as upper abdominal distension and epigastric tenderness, usually relieved by posture changing. Diagnose must be complemented with an upper gastrointestinal barium-contrast radiography. Conservative treatment is usually effective with early diagnosis. Surgery is needed when conservative measures are ineffective. We present the case of a 18 year-old patient with Wilkie's syndrome secondary to scoliosis surgery. The patient presented symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction, and diagnosis was confirmed with upper gastrointestinal barium-contrast radiography. The patient started conservative treatment with proper positioning after eating and nutritional support to provide optimal calories supply.
authors.affiliation: Unidad 15, Hospital de Niños Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fiorini
authors.forename: M Mercedes
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Sáenz Tejeira
authors.forename: Cecilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tennina
authors.forename: Silvana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tomezzoli
authors.forename: Noelia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Requejo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery; D013478:Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy