Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Associated with Rapid Weight Loss Attributed to Amphetamine Abuse.
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome arises from a reduction in the angle formed between the SMA and the aorta, thereby compressing the third portion of the duodenum. This phenomenon may be caused by a number of factors, one of which being acute weight loss. We report a case of a female patient presenting with abdominal pain and vomiting who developed superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome as a result of rapid weight loss, thought to be secondary to amphetamine abuse. This association can often be overlooked and, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported.
Department of Internal Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, 4802 Tenth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA.
Richard M
RM
Fazio
Department of Cardiology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
On
O
Chen
Department of Gastroenterology, NY Methodist Hospital, 506 Sixth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA.
Wael
W
Eldarawy