Emergency department presentation of superior mesenteric artery syndrome: two cases in Marine Corps recruits.
BACKGROUND
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a relatively rare etiology of proximal intestinal obstruction. Obstruction results from marked narrowing of the angle between the SMA and aorta, causing compression of the third portion of the duodenum, most commonly as a result of precipitous weight loss. Intermittent non-specific symptoms at presentation often result in a delayed diagnosis, thus the importance of being aware of this condition.


OBJECTIVE
To familiarize emergency physicians with the presentation of SMA syndrome and discuss its diagnosis and management in the emergency department (ED).


METHODS
We present two cases of SMA syndrome identified in Marine Corps recruits presenting to our ED.


CONCLUSIONS
Emergency physicians should include SMA syndrome in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain and vomiting in individuals with predisposing factors.
Rudinsky
Sherri L
SL
Department of Emergency Medicine, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
Matteucci
Michael J
MJ
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000293:Adolescent; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D013478:Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed