Case report of gastric distension due to superior mesenteric artery syndrome mimicking hollow viscus perforation: Considerations in critical care ultrasound

Necrotic mega-stomach from superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of proximal bowel obstruction due to duodenal compression by the SMA. The morbidity and mortality associated with delayed diagnosis and its complications make it an important differential cause for bowel obstruction. We report a case of mega-stomach secondary to SMA syndrome requiring total gastrectomy. An 18-year-old male presented with vomiting, abdominal pain and shock after a buffet. Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed a grossly distended stomach (113 × 187 × 350mm) and a transition point at the third part of the duodenum, along with pneumatosis and portal venous gas. Emergency gastroscopy showed blood and necrotic mucosa. Laparotomy confirmed full thickness necrosis and the patient underwent a total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Postoperatively, he had a brief intensive care stay and recovered without complications. This case underscores the importance of considering SMA syndrome during presentations of acute gastric dilatation.

Efficacy and safety of video laryngoscope in indwelling gastric tube in severe coma patients: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We designed this systematic review and meta-analysis protocol to provide new medical evidence for clinical management by comparing the prognostic outcomes of visual laryngoscopy with those of conventional blinded insertion methods.

METHODS

We will intend to search English databases including Medicine, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The Chinese databases, such as Wanfang, China Knowledge Network, and China Biomedical Literature Database will also be searched. The outcome measures include intubation success rate, pain score, intubation-related complications, patient satisfaction, operation time, and cost. The Jadad scale will be used to evaluate the methodological quality of each randomized controlled trial in this meta-analysis. We will use the Methodological Index of Non-Randomized Studies criteria to assess the risk of bias in non-randomized study. An I2 value greater than 50% indicates the presence of significant heterogeneity. P < .05 in a 2-tailed test is considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

It is hypothesized that video laryngoscope will provide better outcomes compared with traditional blind gastric tube insertion.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our review will be reported strictly following the PRISMA criteria and the review will add to the existing literature by showing compelling evidence and improved guidance in clinic settings.

Massive gastric distension due to signet-ring cell gastric adenocarcinoma

Chronic massive gastric distention is a rare condition that can occur due to an underlying obstruction or dysmotility. Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is often the culprit that can manifest as the result of the luminal, mural, or extrinsic compression. Gastric adenocarcinoma can rarely manifest as massive gastric distention due to partially obstructing mass or peptic stricture. Severe and fatal sequelae may develop, if early detection and appropriate intervention are delayed, such as gastric decompression, endoscopic evaluation and/or surgical resection. Herein, we present a case of a 60-year-old male who presented with progressive worsening of nonspecific symptoms over the 8-month period. He was found to have remarkable massive gastric distention on imaging which was chronic in etiology secondary to GOO due to metastatic signet-ring cell gastric adenocarcinoma.

Acute Kidney Injury Caused by Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome

Background

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction leading to acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

We report a case of 23-year-old army personnel who presented with persistent vomiting leading to severe hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, and acute kidney injury resulting in cardiorespiratory arrest.

Results

After successful resuscitation, he was supported with haemodialysis and aggressive electrolytes correction. He was repeatedly not able to tolerate nasogastric (NG) tube feeding and computerised tomography of abdomen was performed, and the diagnosis of SMA syndrome was made. Gastroscopy examination revealed duodenal ulcer at D1, pinhole D1-D2 junction, but there was no evidence of intraluminal mass or lesions leading to upper gastrointestinal obstruction. A nasojejunal tube was inserted to bypass the narrow segment of the duodenum, and he was put on nutritional support. He was subsequently weaned off dialysis support as his renal function gradually improved and later on normalised. He remains symptoms free, and he gained five kilograms in four months after discharge.

Conclusions

SMA syndrome is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in a patient who presented with recurrent vomiting and AKI with metabolic alkalosis.