Q: What is the pathophsyiology behind Superior mesenteric artery syndrome? 


Answer: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (first reported around little less than 100 years ago) can cause proximal small bowel obstruction. Loss of the intervening mesenteric fat pad causes narrowing of the space between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta. It leads to compression of the third portion of the duodenum. It's popular nick name is Cast syndrome, and also known as chronic duodenal ileus.


References:

1. Wilkie DP. Chronic duodenal ileus. Br J Surg 1921; 9:204. Cohen LB, Field SP, Sachar DB. 

2. The superior mesenteric artery syndrome. The disease that isn't, or is it? J Clin Gastroenterol 1985; 7:113. 

3. Ylinen P, Kinnunen J, Höckerstedt K. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome. A follow-up study of 16 operated patients. J Clin Gastroenterol 1989; 11:386.