Anyone else have Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS)?
"With only about 500 reported cases in the history of English-language medical literature, recognition of SMA syndrome as a distinct clinical entity is controversial, with some in the medical community doubting its existence entirely. SMA syndrome is also known as Wilkie's syndrome, cast syndrome, mesenteric root syndrome, chronic duodenal ileus and intermittent arterio-mesenteric occlusion. It is distinct from Nutcracker syndrome, which is the entrapment of the left renal vein between the AA and the SMA.
SMA syndrome is estimated to have a mortality rate of 1 in 3. Delay in the diagnosis of SMA syndrome can result in fatal catabolysis (advanced malnutrition), dehydration, oliguria, electrolyte abnormalities, hypokalemia, acute gastric rupture or intestinal perforation (from prolonged mesenteric ischemia), gastrectasia, spontaneous upper gastrointestinal bleeding, hypovolemic shock, aspiration pneumonia, or sudden cardiovascular collapse from increased velocity of bloodflow in the SMA due to the reduced mesenteric angle. Go here to this link to know about my fight http://rare-disease-day-belfast-2011.blogspot.com/2011/02/paula-mattis-is-real-super-hero-she.html
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a very rare condition characterized by recurrent vomiting, abdominal distention, weight loss, and postprandial distress. The cause is compression of the duodenum between vessels and the vertebrae and paravertebrae muscles when the angle between the superior mesenteric vessels and the aorta is lower than 18°. The diagnosis is difficult and usually is made by exclusion. Conservative management is helpful at first; however, symptom recurrence would indicate surgical treatment. EVERY LIFE COUNTS Let's get people the Public, Doctors start taking this more seriously and get Awareness/Prevention, researching possible causes and work towards early detection
Thanks, Paula
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@mattis1bestyahoocom I was assessed for MALS but I just found out this on my images and it seems pretty narrow what was your experience and how did it was approached in your case? I’m getting laparoscopic for suspected endometriosis but honestly don’t want to be surgically interviene for something that may or may not be the root of my symptoms. Here’s my images. Is this similar to anyone already diagnosed here?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏻 Blessings of healing for everyone 🌼 happy holidays 🌼
I would also like to know about the Facebook page. Can you tell me what it's called please?
Very good information-yes, this needs to be shared! Thanks!
There’s a Facebook page for smas and mals is Mals Awareness.
Separate pages-smas, and Mals Awareness.
Hi..I also have the superior messenteric artery problem. My SMA disected years ago. It is very rare and they watch it with a yearly ultrasound. I fell in my house and hit the dresser that had a sharp pointed end and then my problems began with severe vomiting and pain. Went to the emergency room to be sent home and then they took another look at the cat scan and discovered what the problem was. I was advised to not do any contact sports , and if I ever had severe abdominal pain to get to an ER asap. Kitty2
Colleen,
Can you direct me to the names of Dr's at Mayo Jacksonville FL who would specialize in SMAS and other compressions please. Thank you! Charlene
Possible diagnosis of SMA being referred to Mayo Jax
What were your symptoms and how was the team at Jax and what was the surgery like?
Yes I was diagnosed with SMAS recently. Was told to gain weight. Really hard to gain weight when you have SIBO and will be testing soon for Gastroparesis. I really don’t feel like eating.
Since you had surgery for SMA how have you been and did it alleviate your symptoms? What type of surgery and how was recovery? What were your symptoms leading up to diagnosis of SMA. Going through all this myself right now