Seatbelt syndrome with superior mesenteric artery syndrome: leave nothing to chance!

Animesh A Singla; Apresh A Singla

doi:10.1093/jscr/rjv148

Seatbelt syndrome with superior mesenteric artery syndrome: leave nothing to chance!

J Surg Case Rep. 2015 Nov 12;2015(11):rjv148. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjv148.

Authors

Animesh A Singla¹, Apresh A Singla²

Affiliations

¹ University of New South Wales, Kensington 2033, Australia Department of Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney 2050, Australia animesh.singla@gmail.com.
² University of New South Wales, Kensington 2033, Australia Department of Surgery, Bankstown Hospital, Sydney 2200, Australia.

Abstract

The introduction of seatbelts to legislation has dramatically reduced mortality and morbidity from motor vehicle accidents. However, overtime evidence has emerged of 'seatbelt syndrome' (SBS), particularly in the paediatric population. The report describes the diagnosis and management of this rare injury in a 12-year-old boy who sustained a chance lumbar fracture and mesenteric tear resulting in small bowel obstruction. His stay was subsequently complicated by superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome. This is the first documented case of SBS with SMA syndrome. High index of suspicion and continuity of care, particularly in the setting of a 'seatbelt sign', is paramount to timely diagnosis and management.

Publication types

Case Reports