Abstract
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome in caused by a mechanical compression of the 3rd portion of the duodenum due to the superior mesenteric artery, and results in a duodenal obstruction with bile stained vomitus. Three children with SMA syndrome are presented, and their clinical features were reviewed in comparison with 186 cases in the Japanese literatures. All of the 3 children were treated successfully by total parenteral nutrition, postural changes and nasogastric drainage under starvation for several days. The male-female ratio of the 186 cases nas 1.7: 1. Although the average age at the onset of the disease was 23 years old, the peak of ages was in teens. Most children with SMA syndrome were often caused by rapid growth, while patients over 16 years of age were mainly due to malnutrition developed after major surgery. The average value of weight for height at the onset was 83.7±12.5%. SMA syndrome can be often managed by conservative treatments with favorable results.
