Low body mass index: a risk factor for superior mesenteric artery syndrome in adolescents undergoing spinal fusion for scoliosis.
METHODS
Five cases of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome occurred at our institution over a 4-year period in adolescents undergoing spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. All patients had in common a very slender body habitus. The measurement of body mass index (BMI) was low in all patients and an age-matched control group of patients undergoing similar surgery without this complication was assessed with this Index to determine its utility as a screening tool for this postoperative condition.


OBJECTIVE
The goal was to determine if BMI is a useful parameter to assess the relative risk of patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery for developing the complication of SMA syndrome.


BACKGROUND
SMA syndrome is a serious and potentially fatal complication of spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. Significant curve correction and slender body habitus have been cited in the literature as potential risk factors for this disorder.


METHODS
BMI and the amount of scoliosis curve correction in the 5 patients developing SMA syndrome after spinal fusion were calculated and compared with those values in a group of 18 age-matched patients undergoing spinal fusion during the same time period.


RESULTS
Absolute curve correction was comparable between the 2 groups. All 5 patients who developed SMA syndrome had a BMI of less than 18.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis with a BMI of less than 18 are at risk to develop SMA syndrome postoperatively.
Smith
Brian G
BG
Orthopaedic Department, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA. brian.g.smith@yale.edu
Hakim-Zargar
Mariam
M
Thomson
Jeffrey D
JD