For doctors
Diagnose Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome
Patients rely on well-informed doctors to recognize and diagnose Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome and recommend appropriate care.
Because of the rarity of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, it is often diagnosed after more common conditions have been ruled out. This delay in diagnosis may result in significant complications, including death. It can also cause significant stress to the patient.
Doctors are welcome to read through the research papers we’ve compiled about SMA Syndrome, detailing medical breakthroughs and case studies from around the world. To submit research, use the form at the bottom of the Research page.
The National Organization for Rare Disorders provides an overview of SMA Syndrome which includes the following signs and symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion (dyspepsia) and early satiety, in which the person feels full despite having very little food or drink because the stomach is not emptying
- The stomach remains full of fluid or food previously ingested hours before
- Constipation can occur when there is delay in stomach emptying
- Vomiting of undigested food can occur and can become bilious i.e., green or yellow when the blockage becomes severe
- Relief can be obtained by lying on the right decubitus or left decubitus (right or left side down) or face down (prone) with both arms and legs up (knee to chest position) after eating or drinking to allow the stomach to empty better
- The abdominal pain can be severe after intake of food or drink because the pulsation of the SMA becomes stronger and bounding against the duodenum
- Food aversion or food fear follows which aggravates the weight loss and worsens SMA syndrome
The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a division of the National Institutes of Health, provides an overview of SMA Syndrome.
The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders provides an overview of SMA Syndrome.
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