Unusual Mechanism for Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome after Scoliosis Surgery

Abstract

t Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) syndrome is an uncommon condition caused by mechanical obstruction of the distal third of the duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta. SMA syndrome is associated with both operative and non-operative corrections of scoliosis, as well as anorexia nervosa, severe weight loss, tumors, burns, and other traumas.[1-4] We report an unusual case of SMA syndrome following corrective surgery for scoliosis in which post-operative gastric distension caused duodenal compression that subsequently resolved with gastric decompression, as opposed to the conventional, reverse series of events in which SMA syndrome causes the gastric dilatation. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2017-08.asp].

Keywords: SMA syndrome; ileus; nasogastric decompression; scoliosis; spine surgery complications.