SUPERIOR MESENTERIC ARTERY SYNDROME - AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF DUODENAL OBSTRUCTION

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) arising from aorta at the level of first lumbar vertebra usually takes an angular downward course from ventral surface of aorta. It is through this vascular angle that the 3rd part of duodenum passes at the level of 4th lumbar vertebra. Fat and lymphatics around SMA maintains the angle at 25° to 60° with a mean of 450 and provide protection against duodenal compression. In Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, the SMA-aorta angle in narrowed down to 7° to 22° with a mean of 80 leading to entrapment of the transverse part of duodenum between the artery and the vertebral column and aorta with resultant partial or complete duodenal obstruction. We report a case of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome which was diagnosed by CECT abdomen. Duodeno-jejunostomy was done to treat this condition.