Late-onset superior mesenteric artery syndrome four years following scoliosis surgery - a case report

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome following spine surgery in idiopathic adolescent scoliosis: a systematic review

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare and unpredictable complication after correction spine surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The management of this condition is poorly investigated, with controversial outcomes. This investigation systematically reviewed current evidence on pathogenesis, risk factors, management, and outcomes of SMAS following correction spine surgery for AIS. The present systematic review was conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA statement. All the included investigations reported SMAS presentation following scoliosis correction surgery in AIS. 29 articles with 61 eligible patients were included in this review. The mean age of the patients was 15.8 ± 7.2 years. The mean weight was 45.3 ± 8.0 kg, the mean height 159.6 ± 13.6 cm, and the mean BMI 16.5 ± 2.9 kg/m2. The mean duration of the treatment for SMAS was 21.6 ± 10.3 days. The mean interval between spine surgery and symptoms of SAMS was 69 days, with high between-studies variability (3 days to 4 years). Prompt identification of risk factors and an early diagnosis are necessary to manage SMAS and reduce the risk of complications. Additional investigations are required to establish risk factors and diagnostic criteria.Level of evidence Level IV, systematic review.

A Delayed Presentation of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Treated With Robotic-Assisted Strong Procedure

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is a rare condition resulting from compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. When symptomatic, this compression may result in nausea, vomiting, epigastric discomfort, and weight loss, requiring clinical attention and imaging to make the diagnosis. Typically, SMA syndrome presents in young females and is associated with an underlying condition such as anorexia nervosa, cachexia, postoperative development after scoliosis surgery, etc. In this report, we present the case of an atypical delayed presentation of SMA syndrome in an 84-year-old male who had epigastric pain, nausea, intermittent vomiting, and a 30-pound weight loss over two years. SMA syndrome was diagnosed on a computed tomography (CT) scan by a decreased angle between the superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta, and treatment with a robotic-assisted strong procedure was performed. The patient was followed postoperatively in the clinic and tolerated the procedure well.

Delayed presentation of Wilkie's syndrome after scoliotic curve correction surgery: a case report

BACKGROUND

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is a rare but serious complication following scoliosis correction surgery. It occurs as a result of mechanical compression of third part of duodenum between the SMA and aorta. This condition occurs most commonly in significantly underweight patients with deformities, and usually during the first week following spinal deformity corrective surgeries. The angle between the abdominal aorta and the SMA gets reduced following spinal lengthening during deformity correction surgery causing compression of third part of duodenum resulting in development of SMA syndrome.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of 17-year-old male with congenital scoliosis with a 70-degree scoliotic curve who underwent spinal deformity correction surgery with posterior instrumented fusion. Post-operative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged after suture removal on post-operative day 15. The patient presented after 21-days of symptom onset on post-operative-day 51, with a 3 week history of post-prandial vomiting, abdominal pain and distension which resulted in rapid weight loss of 11 kg. A CT-angiogram showed obstruction at third part of duodenum. After reviewing clinical and radiological profile of the patient, a diagnosis of SMA syndrome was made. Conservative management was tried, but due to rapid deterioration of patient condition and symptoms of complete intestinal obstruction, the patient was treated surgically by gastro-jejunostomy and side-to-side jejuno-jejunostomy, which improved his condition.

CONCLUSION

SMA syndrome can occur much later than previously reported cases and with potentially life-threatening symptoms following scoliosis correction. Having a high index of suspicion, early recognition of condition and institution of appropriate treatment are essential to prevent occurrence of severe complications including risk of intestinal perforation and mortality. This case highlights management of delayed onset of SMA syndrome, with presentation further delayed after symptom onset, as is common in developing parts of the world, due to limited availability and accessibility of resources, and low socio-economic status of large segments of the population.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A rare complication of scoliosis corrective surgery

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare but serious complication following scoliosis surgery. Early diagnosis and management are key factors for successful conservative treatment to avoid the need for emergency laparotomies which causes higher morbidity or even mortality. We report two adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with Cobb angle of 49° and 132°, respectively, and low body mass index who presented with SMA syndrome following posterior spinal fusion from T2 to L3 and were treated successfully with conservative management. Abdominal radiographs showed distended gastric shadow. Computed tomography angiography of the abdomen showed decreased aortomesenteric angle and SMA-aorta distance. Both patients were treated successfully with conservative treatment which included three principles: gastric decompression with nasogastric tube, correction of electrolytes imbalance, and nutritional support with low volume, high calorie nutritional supplement. Both patients were started with small but frequent meals. Surgeries were not required in both cases. Early diagnosis and management are the key factors to successful treatment in SMA syndrome. Patients with SMA can be treated successfully with conservative treatment comprising of nasogastric decompression, electrolyte correction, and nutritional support with small but frequent meals.

Unusual delayed presentation of superior mesenteric artery syndrome following scoliosis correction surgery-a case report and review of literature

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome secondary to extrinsic compression of third part of duodenum is an uncommon complication following scoliosis surgery. It is imperative to diagnose this presentation at an earlier stage as it can be a potentially life threatening complication. If the diagnosis is missed or delayed, the mortality rate can be as high as 33% due to fatal complications like aspiration pneumonia, acute gastric rupture and cardiovascular collapse. We present a 13-year-old patient who was diagnosed with SMA syndrome in the late post-operative period (5.1 weeks) following scoliosis correction surgery. A barium meal and follow-through confirmed the diagnosis of SMA syndrome. She was managed conservatively with which she recovered uneventfully. Such late presentations are very uncommon. In addition, we have also briefly reviewed the pertinent literature. It is essential that we identify high risk patients preoperatively so that we could optimize them with proper intensive dietary supplementation. Postoperatively, a high index of suspicion needs to be retained to identify this syndrome at an early stage so that conservative management may be initiated with good clinical outcome. SMA syndrome can be potentially life threatening when the diagnosis is missed or delayed.