Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome has been described in medical literature as a rare cause of duodenal occlusion. It has a varied presentation, with distressing gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and further weight loss. Several conditions contribute to duodenal obstruction in SMA syndrome. We present a case of SMA syndrome in a patient with malignant breast cancer who presented with sudden onset of severe nausea and voluminous vomiting. Various imaging studies revealed a distended proximal intestine with a transition point in the third part of the duodenum. The patient was managed conservatively with nasogastric decompression and fluid electrolyte management, leading to symptomatic relief.
Keywords: metastatic breast cancer; small bowel obstruction; superior mesenteric artery syndrome; weight loss.
Copyright © 2020, Haider et al.