Extrapleural pneumonectomy complicated by acute superior mesenteric artery syndrome.
We present a patient who developed an acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome following pneumonectomy. Although rarely described, a majority of cases develop insidiously from a gradual loss of retroperitoneal fat in the setting of malnourishment. A postoperative presentation is atypical, however procedures that narrow the aortomesenteric angle have been associated with the development of SMA syndrome. This case illustrates an important anatomic relationship that thoracic surgeons performing lung resection surgery should be aware of in order to avoid predisposing patients to SMA syndrome.
Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. dubrayb@wudosis.wustl.edu
Bernard J
BJ
DuBray
Jennifer L
JL
Gnerlich
Maria B Majella
MB
Doyle
G Alexander
GA
Patterson
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013478:Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed