Mesenteric Artery Syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition that affects the digestive system and has the potential to cause a number of unpleasant symptoms. Despite its rarity, mesenteric artery syndrome responds well to treatment, making the prognosis of people who develop the condition very good, according to the Gastrolab Medical Dictionary.

Identification

• Mesenteric artery syndrome occurs when the artery that delivers blood to the lower digestive system pressed against the lower portion of the duodenum, a structure in the small intestine.

Effects

• As the mesenteric artery pushes against the duodenum, it causes the intestines to narrow, which leads to partial or complete obstruction of the small intestine.

Time Frame

• Mesenteric artery syndrome has the potential to develop slowly or happen all at once, accounting for chronic and acute sets of symptoms. Alternately, the obstruction caused by mesenteric artery syndrome is sometimes intermittent, meaning that symptoms come and go.

Types of Symptoms

• Symptoms of mesenteric artery syndrome include bloating, vomiting and abdominal pain, according to Wellness Consumer Health Information. In some cases, mesenteric artery syndrome causes decreased appetite and weight loss.

Treatments

• Often, surgery is necessary as a long-term treatment mesenteric artery syndrome, according to a case study published by the University of Western Ontario. In 2008, London Health Sciences Centre developed a type of robotically-assisted intestinal bypass surgery that is effective at treating mesenteric artery syndrome.