Living with Superior mesenteric artery syndrome
A digestive condition in which part of the small intestine is squeezed between two arteries, causing pain, fullness, and vomiting.
Understanding Superior mesenteric artery syndrome
The squeezing partly or fully blocks the duodenum. Symptoms vary and can be severely disabling. It typically happens when the fat pad around the artery is lost. The most common cause is major weight loss from medical or psychological conditions or surgery. In younger people, it most often follows spinal surgery for scoliosis. Delays in diagnosis may cause significant complications.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary based on severity. GARD lists these:
- Belly pain
- Feeling full quickly
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders and Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Research Awareness and Support may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders, Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Research Awareness and Support
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It typically comes from loss of the fat pad around the superior mesenteric artery. The most common cause is significant weight loss, or, in younger people, scoliosis surgery.
Also known as: arteriomesenteric compression of third part of duodenum; smas; smas - superior mesenteric artery syndrome; superior mesenteric artery syndromic disease; syndromic disease of superior mesenteric artery; wilkie syndrome
Patient organizations
- Association of Gastrointestinal Motility DisordersSuperior mesenteric artery syndrome · United States
- Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Research Awareness and SupportSuperior mesenteric artery syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Superior mesenteric artery syndrome.
Explore research for Superior mesenteric artery syndrome
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