Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: First Chadian Observation

Introduction: The extrinsic compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta defines superior mesenteric artery syndrome. It determines an acute or chronic high intestinal obstruction pattern. We report the first observed case in Chad. Observation: HH was a 19 year-old woman with abdominal pain and intermittent postprandial vomiting since she was 5 years old. During last 11 months, post-prandial vomiting was more frequent, and non resolved after medical treatment. Unquantified weight loss was reported. Body mass index at hospitalization was 9.8. An injected abdominal scan demonstrated significant gastroduodenal distension, upstream of a stenosis of the third duodenal portion. Aorto-mesenteric space and angle were reduced. At laparotomy internal derivation by duodenojejunostomy was done. Postoperative situation was uneventful. Conclusion: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome determines an acute or chronic intestinal obstruction. Injected abdominal scan is fundamental for diagnosis. The treatment is firstly conservative but the need of surgery is common.