Síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior en una adolescente de 12 años. Caso clínico

The superior mesenteric artery syndrome is rarely seen in children. It results from an intestinal obstruction due to compression of the third portion of duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta. In most of the cases there are predisposing factors such as rapid weight loss or extra-abdominal compression. We report a case of a superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a twelve-year-old female patient without predisposing factors. The girl began suddenly with nauseas, continuous vomiting and abdominal pain. The abdominal pain was postprandial and it decreased in left lateral decubitus position. Clinically, this characteristic suggested superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Angio-computed tomography scan confirmed the diagnosis. Given that conservative treatment ultimately failed, patient was subjected to surgery and the illness was resolved.