Eating disorder and superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in Anorexia Nervosa: A Case Report and a Systematic Revision of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition caused by the compression of the duodenum, which may occur in the case of fast weight loss. Currently, the relationship between superior mesenteric artery syndrome and anorexia nervosa is still unclear. The aim of this study is to identify the precocious clinical signs and symptoms of SMAS in patients affected by anorexia nervosa so as not to delay the diagnosis.

METHODS

We present the clinical case of a young female patient with anorexia nervosa complicated by SMAS. We performed a literature review of SMAS in children affected by anorexia nervosa between 1962 and 2023, according to the PRISMA Extension Guide for Scoping Reviews.

RESULTS

Reviewing the literature, 11 clinical cases were described for the pediatric age. The median age at diagnosis was 17 years (ranging from 13 to 18 years). The diagnosis of SMAS may be challenging as symptoms overlap those of anorexia, but it should be kept in mind mostly in cases of post-prandial abdominal pain, anxiety or depression, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

CONCLUSION

Even specific clinical symptoms may act as flag tags to drive attention to this rare but potentially fatal condition.

The intersect of gastrointestinal symptoms and malnutrition associated with anorexia nervosa and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: Functional or pathophysiologic?-A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Although multiple pathophysiologic changes develop within the gastrointestinal (GI) system in the setting of malnutrition, the etiology of the reported multitude of symptoms in those with anorexia nervosa and avoidant restrictive intake disorder, as well as their contribution toward disordered eating, remain poorly understood. This systematic review seeks to better understand how these physiologic changes of malnutrition of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and pancreas contribute toward the reported GI symptoms, as well as better understand how celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor dysfunction, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome contribute toward disordered eating.

METHODS

Studies of any design exploring the pathogenesis of complications and treatment strategies were included. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used to structure and complete the review.

RESULTS

A total of 146 articles were used for the review. The majority of studies were observational or case reports/case series.

DISCUSSION

Pathophysiologic changes of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines develop with malnutrition, although these changes do not consistently correlate with expressed GI symptoms in patients with restrictive eating disorders. Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease also contribute to disordered eating through the associated somatic GI complaints, while pelvic floor dysfunction and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome contribute through both somatic symptoms and functional symptoms. Indeed, functional GI symptoms remain problematic during the course of treatment, and further research is required to better understand the extent to which these symptoms are functional in nature and remit or remain as treatment ensues.

Increase body weight to treat superior mesenteric artery syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction resulting from vascular compression of the third part of the duodenum in the angle between the abdominal aorta and SMA.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 19-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa with upper gastrointestinal obstruction symptoms resorted to the emergency department. A diagnosis of SMA syndrome was made. Symptoms were solved with conservative treatment aimed at increase body weight.

DISCUSSION

SMA syndrome is most commonly associated with debilitating illnesses. Patients present with acute or insidious upper gastrointestinal obstruction symptoms. Aortomesenteric artery angle of ≤25° is the most sensitive measure of diagnosis. Advances in both enteral and parenteral nutrition led to a shift towards conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Low threshold of suspicion is important to make a timely diagnosis and treatment. A conservative treatment aimed at increasing body weight is the first-line approach, leaving surgical intervention for failure cases.

Gastrointestinal complications associated with anorexia nervosa: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review identifying gastrointestinal (GI) complications attributable to anorexia nervosa (AN) was completed.

METHOD

Studies of any design exploring the pathogenesis of complications and treatment strategies were included. The review was completed in accordance with PRISMA standards.

RESULTS

A total of 123 articles were retained, including one randomized control trial. The majority of included studies were case reports and case series. Controlled studies demonstrated that patients with AN were more likely to have delays in gastric motility, gastric emptying and intestinal transit than comparator groups although results were not uniform across all studies. Published reports suggest that complications can occur at any segment of the GI tract. These issues may derive as a consequence of severe malnourishment, from eating disorder related symptoms such as self-induced purging or from the refeeding process itself. Multiple studies noted that patients with AN report high rates of GI symptoms although in the few cases where medical testing was undertaken, correlations between self-reported symptoms and measurable pathology were not demonstrated.

DISCUSSION

GI complications may occur throughout the entire GI tract in patients with AN. It is recommended that clinicians use careful judgment when pursuing targeted investigation or introducing symptom specific treatments in response to GI complaints. Evidence suggests that most GI complications resolve with refeeding and cessation of ED symptoms.

Gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders in patients with eating disorders

The two most clinically serious eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A drive for thinness and fear of fatness lead patients with anorexia nervosa either to restrict their food intake or binge-eat then purge (through self-induced vomiting and/or laxative abuse) to reduce their body weight to much less than the normal range. A drive for thinness leads patients with bulimia nervosa to binge-eat then purge but fail to reduce their body weight. Patients with eating disorders present with various gastrointestinal disturbances such as postprandial fullness, abdominal distention, abdominal pain, gastric distension, and early satiety, with altered esophageal motility sometimes seen in patients with anorexia nervosa. Other common conditions noted in patients with eating disorders are postprandial distress syndrome, superior mesenteric artery syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional constipation. Binge eating may cause acute gastric dilatation and gastric perforation, while self-induced vomiting can lead to dental caries, salivary gland enlargement, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and electrolyte imbalance. Laxative abuse can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Vomiting and/or laxative abuse can cause hypokalemia, which carries a risk of fatal arrhythmia. Careful assessment and intensive treatment of patients with eating disorders is needed because gastrointestinal symptoms/disorders can progress to a critical condition.

Optimal duration of medical treatment in superior mesenteric artery syndrome in children

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome, and optimal duration of medical treatment in children with superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS). Eighteen children with SMAS were retrospectively studied. The data reviewed included demographics, presenting symptoms, co-morbid conditions, clinical courses, nutritional status, treatments, and outcomes. The three most common symptoms were postprandial discomfort (67.7%), abdominal pain (61.1%), and early satiety (50%). The median duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 68 days. The most common co-morbid condition was weight loss (50%), followed by growth spurt (22.2%) and bile reflux gastropathy (16.7%). Body mass index (BMI) was normal in 72.2% of the patients. Medical management was successful in 13 patients (72.2%). The median duration of treatment was 45 days. Nine patients (50%) had good outcomes without recurrence, 5 patients (27.8%) had moderate outcomes, and 4 patients (22.2%) had poor outcomes. A time limit of >6 weeks for the duration of medical management tended to be associated with worse outcomes (P=0.018). SMAS often developed in patients with normal BMI or no weight loss. Medical treatment has a high success rate, and children with SMAS should be treated medically for at least 6 weeks before surgical treatment is considered.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: where do we stand today?

BACKGROUND

Most data on large studies of superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) were published over 30 years ago. New studies are needed so that current medical progress can influence SMAS diagnosis and improve therapeutic outcomes.

METHODS

This study was conducted to report the clinical features and outcomes of SMAS. From January 2000 to December 2009, 80 cases (53 females, median age 28 years) of SMAS were collected retrospectively from seven university hospitals in South Korea.

RESULTS

The median body mass index at diagnosis was 17.4 kg/m(2), with a range of 10-22.1. Forty (50 %) of the 80 SMAS patients had co-morbid conditions including mental and behavioral disorders, infectious disorders, and disorders of the nervous system (21.3, 12.5, and 11.3 %, respectively). Computerized tomography was most commonly (93.8 %) used to diagnose SMAS. The overall medical management success and recurrence rates were 71.3 and 15.8 %, respectively. Surgical management had a high 92.9 % (13/14) success rate. The most common surgical procedure for SMAS was laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest case series to document the clinical features and changes in diagnostic modalities, medical and surgical managements, and their outcomes in SMAS patients. Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy is the preferred surgical procedure when medical management of the disease fails.

[A case of superior mesenteric artery syndrome caused by anorexia nervosa]

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare disorder, characterized by compression of the third segment of the duodenum by the mesenteric artery at the level of the SMA, resulting in duodenal dilatation. Precipitating factors of the SMA syndrome include prolonged bed rest, weight loss, abdominal surgery, and increased lordosis of the spine. We report a case of SMA syndrome caused by anorexia nervosa in a 15-year-old adolescent girl. CT and an upper gastrointestinal contrast series revealed partial obstruction of the third portion of duodenum and decreased aortomesenteric distance. The patient's symptoms were successfully treated with total parental nutrition and psychiatric treatment including supportive, cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medication. This case shows that SMA syndrome is an unusual gastrointestinal complication that may occur in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Unique challenges for appropriate management of a 16-year-old girl with superior mesenteric artery syndrome as a result of anorexia nervosa: a case report

Introduction

Nausea and vomiting in an adolescent, though common presenting symptoms, often pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the physician. When the diagnosis involves both medical and psychiatric components, management can be complex, especially in the current healthcare system in the United States. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous publications detailing successful management of a patient with anorexia nervosa and superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 16-year-old Caucasian girl who presented to our emergency department with nausea, abdominal pain, diminished appetite and vomiting. Her history and examination were notable for a 15 kg weight loss and diffuse abdominal tenderness. A barium swallow X-ray with small bowel follow-through and computed tomography scan demonstrated remarkable duodenal narrowing between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta, consistent with superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Initial management focused on relieving the obstruction and supporting the nutritional needs of the patient. Further history confirmed a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, requiring intensive psychiatric and medical management, and necessitating a multifaceted approach to patient care involving social work, multiple primary care physicians and subspecialists, insurance company representatives, and the patient's immediate family.

Conclusion

This case illustrates important points regarding the pathogenesis of superior mesenteric artery syndrome in the setting of anorexia, and it highlights the complexities that arise when managing an adolescent with both medical and psychiatric needs, as well as outlining a viable solution. While superior mesenteric artery syndrome is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction, the general pediatrician and child psychiatrist should be aware of this complication of anorexia nervosa.

Use of total parenteral nutrition in the refeeding of selected patients with severe anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

At present there is no consensus on how to refeed patients with severe anorexia nervosa. In these case reports, we describe two patients beset with gastrointestinal comorbidities which impaired their ability to refeed with a staged oral feeding program. The use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) facilitated their recovery.

METHOD

We present two cases of severe anorexia nervosa, complicated by comorbid gastrointestinal disorders, which precluded them from successful refeeding using oral food calories. The treatment with TPN consisted of using a surgically placed, indwelling tunneled catheter to deliver progressively increased amounts of intravenous calories. This facilitated successful weight restoration.

CONCLUSION

Although most patients with anorexia nervosa should be refed with a dietary program which is based on progressive increases in oral calories, TPN should be judiciously considered for patients with severe anorexia nervosa who also have medical comorbidities which preclude the usage of this standard approach.

Anorexia in a 14-year-old girl: why won't she eat?

This is a clinical presentation of a 14-year-old female who had weight loss and vomiting following spinal fusion surgery. Her case was complicated by social and behavioral issues. After an initial diagnosis of atypical eating disorder, an upper gastrointestinal study revealed superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Her course continued to be complicated until consistent follow-up with a nutritionist was established.