Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in Children: Diagnostic challenges and management strategies in a resource-limited setting
Case studies
Neel Aggerwal
PGICH, Noida, India
Amit Gupta
PGICH, Noida, India
Chandra Vibhash
Post Graduate Institute of Child Health, Noida, India
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2313-7080
Umesh B. Singh
PGICH, Noida, India
Pragya Mishra
PGICH, Noida, India
Aditi Solanki
PGICH, Noida, India
Published 2026-10-15
https://doi.org/10.15388/LietChirur.2026.25(3).8
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Keywords

superior mesenteric artery syndrome
children
upper gastrointestinal obstruction
duodenojejunostomy
feeding jejunostomy

How to Cite

1.
Aggerwal N, Gupta A, Vibhash C, Singh UB, Mishra P, Solanki A. Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in Children: Diagnostic challenges and management strategies in a resource-limited setting. LS [Internet]. 2026 Oct. 15 [cited 2026 Oct. 16];25(3):295-300. Available from: https://zurnalai.vu.lt/lietuvos-chirurgija/article/view/44587

Abstract

Background. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction in children and is often diagnosed late due to nonspecific symptoms and limited awareness. Cases. We report two pediatric cases of SMA syndrome presenting after significant weight loss. The first was a malnourished adolescent with recurrent bilious vomiting in whom diagnosis was delayed due to communication barriers and limited access to imaging; definitive treatment with duodenojejunostomy resulted in excellent recovery. The second child developed acute obstruction following prolonged illness and weight loss; feeding jejunostomy enabled nutritional rehabilitation and complete resolution without the need for definitive bypass surgery. Conclusion. A high index of suspicion is essential for early diagnosis of SMA syndrome in children with upper gastrointestinal obstruction and weight loss. While duodenojejunostomy remains the definitive treatment, feeding jejunostomy may serve as an effective and pragmatic alternative in selected patients, particularly in resource-limited settings.

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Author contributions (CRediT)

  • Neel Aggerwal: Conceptualization, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Investigation
  • Amit Gupta: Conceptualization, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Investigation
  • Chandra Vibhash: Conceptualization, Writing – Original Draft Preparation
  • Umesh B. Singh: Writing – Review & Editing, Visualization
  • Pragya Mishra: Writing – Review & Editing, Investigation
  • Aditi Solanki: Writing – Review & Editing

References

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7. Mauney CA, Florissi I, Etchill EW, Garcia AV. Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy for the treatment of pediatric superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A case series. J Pediatr Surg Open 2023; 4: 100065.

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