Abdominal Pain Presenting as a Tight Squeeze on a Tchaikovsky Score

Combined superior mesenteric artery syndrome and nutcraker syndrome presenting as acute pancreatitis: a case report

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome designates compression of the third part of the duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. This condition has a low incidence, being more common in thin young women. Nutcracker syndrome is compression of the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. Both entities are rare, and their coexistence has been reported in a few cases. Conservative treatment targeting weight gain is sufficient in most cases. An association between the superior mesenteric artery syndrome and acute pancreatitis has rarely been reported. We intend to describe the case of an 18-year-old girl who was admitted to the emergency room with epigastric pain and emesis. Our investigation revealed acute acalculous pancreatitis. During work-up, we discovered superior mesenteric artery syndrome and a compressed left renal vein. The patient is on conservative treatment, and her symptoms have improved.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A review of the literature

Decreased intraabdominal fat can lead to intraabdominal compressive syndromes, such as superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome. This phenomenon is rare but should be considered in a patient with recent rapid weight loss and acute gastrointestinal complaints. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe complications, such as a gastric rupture. We report a case of SMA syndrome in a teenage male with recent intentional weight loss and intractable emesis, and the possible associations of SMA syndrome and Nutcracker syndrome.