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©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Dec 21, 2009; 15(47): 6004-6006
Published online Dec 21, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.6004
Published online Dec 21, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.6004
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a diabetic patient with acute weight loss
Meng-Chieh Wu, I-Chen Wu, Jeng-Yih Wu, Deng-Chyang Wu, Wen-Ming Wang, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan, China
Jeng-Yih Wu, Deng-Chyang Wu, Wen-Ming Wang, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan, China
Wen-Ming Wang, Division of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao-Kang Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan, China
Author contributions: Wu MC was responsible for the review of the literature and initial preparation of the paper; Wu IC, Wu JY and Wu DC provided their advice; Wang WM participated in its design and supervised the study; all authors have approved the final submitted draft.
Supported by Grants From Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, No. 94-KMUH-032 and No. M094015
Correspondence to: Wen-Ming Wang, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tz-You 1st Road, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan, China. d680027@kmu.edu.tw
Telephone: +886-7-3121101 Fax: +886-7-3135612
Received: September 7, 2009
Revised: October 27, 2009
Accepted: November 3, 2009
Published online: December 21, 2009
Revised: October 27, 2009
Accepted: November 3, 2009
Published online: December 21, 2009
Abstract
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an uncommon disease resulting compression of the third portion of the duodenum from the superior mesenteric artery. This disease shares many common manifestations with diabetic gastroparesis, including postprandial fullness, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Therefore, it is often overlooked in diabetic patients. Here, we report a 41-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetic mellitus who developed SMA syndrome due to rapid weight loss. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography and an upper gastrointestinal series. His condition improved after parenteral nutrient, strict sugar control, and gradual weight gain.