Primary adenocarcinoma of the small intestine presenting as superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A case report

Acute superior mesenteric artery syndrome with complete foregut obstruction following Nissen fundoplication

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare but severe condition characterized by acute angulation of the aortomesenteric axis. It can result in compression and obstruction of the third part of the duodenum leading to life-threatening dilation and perforation of the proximal duodenum and stomach.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a rare case of a patient with postural abnormality secondary to multiple sclerosis and a borderline but normal aortomesenteric axis who developed SMAS following a paraesophageal hernia repair with Nissen fundoplication complicated by massive gastric dilation and perforation secondary due to a closed-loop-like foregut obstruction. The patient was managed with emergent damage control surgery and washout with delayed duodenojejunostomy for SMAS.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

SMAS with partial obstruction can mimic common complications after Nissen fundoplication such as gas-bloat syndrome. SMAS with complete obstruction is a life-threatening surgical emergency. Postoperative weight loss, large hiatal hernia reduction, gas-bloat syndrome and postural changes in this patient may have contributed to an altered aortomesenteric axis and promoted the development of SMAS. Identifying possible predisposing factors should heighten vigilance and prompt radiological evaluation and surgical management to prevent life-threatening complications.

CONCLUSION

SMAS after Nissen fundoplication is a potentially life-threatening complication that presents with non-specific symptoms mimicking common complications like gas-bloat syndrome. A high index of suspicious should prompt early radiological evaluation in patients with predisposing factors.

Rare presentation of small bowel adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation in the jejunum: A case report and summary of diagnostic and management options

Cancer of the small bowel (SB) is rare. The most common SB malignancy is neuroendocrine, followed by adenocarcinoma. SB adenocarcinoma with overlapping neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) is very uncommon. The present case report discusses the case of a young African American female who presented with high-grade SB perforation and underwent urgent surgical repair. Histology of the tumor revealed jejunal adenocarcinoma with NED. To the best of our knowledge, this type of tumor has not yet been reported in the jejunum. Referring patients that present with insidious and nonspecific abdominal discomfort for imaging studies that are more sensitive to the SB could potentially identify tumors earlier, prevent the development of emergent gastrointestinal complications and offer a chance for cure. An overview of diagnostic tools for SB evaluation was provided.