[Superior mesenteric artery syndrome]

Abstract

Background: Early diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery syndrome, less frequent in children than in young adults, is improved by the use of ultrasonography and CT scan.

Case report: An eleven year-old boy was admitted because he suffered from bilious vomiting for 24 hours. A diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery syndrome was made from the results of plain films of the abdomen, ultrasonography and roentgenograms after instillation of dilute barium solution. Diameter of the left renal vein appeared increased. The patient was given fractionated meals and placed in left lateral position. The CT scan performed 5 days later confirmed the diagnosis but did not show dilatation of the left renal vein. The patient is well one year later without treatment. Ultrasonography performed 3 hours after a meal showed similar findings to those seen in the acute phase.

Conclusion: Abdominal scanning and ultrasound are valuable tools for diagnosis of such a syndrome. The diagnostic value of dilatation of the left renal vein remains to be determined.