WHAT IS SMAS?
"SMAS or Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome is the obstruction of the 3rd portion of the duodenum due to compression by the Superior Mesenteric Artery towards the Abdominal Aorta" -Dr. Domingo Alvear
This rare digestive condition causes partial or complete blockage of the intestine, causing pain, fullness, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
Common Questions about SMAS
What are the measurements between the SMA and AA associated with SMAS?
"The SMA is compressed towards the AA, reducing the angle between these two structures to 6-22 degrees (normal 28-65 degrees) hence decreasing the aortomesenteric distance to 2-8mm (normal 10-34 mm)." -Dr. Domingo Alvear
What causes SMAS?
"The obstruction can be intermittent, partial or complete. The etiology is not well understood, but it can be due to congenital predisposition, acquired, or both. The location of the Ligament of Treitz can affect to angulation of the SMA and AA. Loss of mesenteric fat from weight loss will decrease the angle between the SMA and AA. Elongated mesentery can cause a high aortomesenteric angular torque hence the “pendulum effect” can be a factor. During adolescence a rapid growth spurt in height without concomitant increase in abdominal girth can be a factor. Rapid weight loss from any cause can also be a factor." - Dr. Domingo Alvear
How rare is SMAS?
"he most commonly mentioned incidence ranges from 0.013% to 0.3% worldwide which translate to 41,000 to 96,000 U.S. Citizens. From a personal observation, it appears that the incidence is higher than is written in the literature." - Dr. Domingo Alvear
What are the symptoms of SMAS?
"The symptoms include postprandial epigastric pain, nausea, bloating, early satiety and “food fear”. Intermittent bilious vomiting can occur. The result of chronic duodenal obstruction is enlargement if the duodenum above the blockage and enlarge stomach (gastromegaly) with delayed emptying of the stomach or gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach). Constipation can also occur due to delay or inability to empty the stomach or with opiod use. There also reverse peristalsis (to and fro motion) of the proximal duodenum. Weight loss follows which aggravates the problem due to loss of the mesenteric fat decreasing the distance between the SMA and AA. Symptoms can be relieved by knee chest position or right lateral decubitus (right side down) to allow gravitational emptying of the stomach." - Dr. Domingo Alvear
How is SMAS diagnosed?
"Physical examination include an asthenic built, frail with muscle wasting, and a scaphoid abdomen. There is a bounding pulse (“second heart “) and palpable thrill and a bruit over the SMA. The most definitive diagnostic study is a CT Angiogram ( CTA ) because it can measure the angle between the SMA and AA (normal is 28 to 65*) and the distance between the SMA and AA (normal is 10 to 34mm). An MRI can also be used with the same result. A doppler ultrasound can determine blood flow variations but not diagnostic. Contrast study ( UGIS ) which was employed in the past can show the obstruction at the 3rd portion of the duodenum with a filling defect by the SMA. One can also observe a reverse peristalsis (to and fro motion) of the contrast at the proximal duodenum. Other studies needed include gastric emptying study to rule out gastroparesis. CCK-HIDA (Cholecystokinin – Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan) is done to rule out gallbladder dysfunction (biliary dyskinesia). MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome) also known as (“Coeliac Steal Syndrome”) must be ruled out because it could be associated with SMAS or could be causing the pain. If there is left flank pain, pelvic pain, and hematuria, Nutcracker Syndrome must be ruled out by CTA and Doppler ultrasound." - Dr. Domingo Alvear
What are the treatments for SMAS?
"Management is based upon the etiology. Primary is probably a congenital predisposition with decrease angle between the SMA and AA with decrease distance between the 2 structures causing the obstruction. Secondary is rapid weight loss from other causes hence loss of mesenteric fat pad which in turn narrows the angle and the distance between the SMA and AA. Trial of conservative management of frequent small feedings, use of supplemental predigested formulas followed by the knee chest posture or right lateral decubitus posture when symptoms arise. Naso-jejunal feedings can also be used. If no response after 6 weeks, surgical therapy is recommended. Secondary is when there a rapid weight loss from any cause, with loss of mesenteric fat, can be treated with frequent small feedings, naso-jejunal feedings, with or without Total Parenteral Nutrition ( TPN ). Treatment of the underlying illness causing the illness is paramount. These patients should do well with conservative management, hence surgical intervention should be reserved for rare cases. The need for team approach to therapy is needed. Gastroenterologist, nutritionist, pain therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist and a social worker should be part of the team. A surgeon dedicated for the care of SMAS patients is needed when surgical therapy becomes necessary. Team approach to follow up following any treatment is a must." -Dr. Domingo Alvear
What are the other names for SMAS?
"Wilkie’s Syndrome , Cast syndrome, Aortomesenteric Artery Compression, Arteriomesenteric Artery Duodenal Compression, Duodenal Vascular Compression, Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, Superior Mesenteric Artery Compression Disoders or Superior Mesenteric Artery Compression Syndrome ( SMACS ). The SMACS best describe the disease." - Dr. Domingo Alvear
What surgical options are there for SMAS?
HISTORY OF SMAS
1861
1908
1927
1997
2015
2017
First description of SMAS by Carl Freiherr von Rokitansky
First duodenojejunostomy by Dr. Stavely
Wilkie publishes first comprehensive series of SMAS patients
First laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy
Formation of SMAS Nonprofit Organization
First grant by SMAS Nonprofit
OUR MISSION
We are dedicated to promoting research for SMAS, educating about this rare disease, advocating for early diagnosis, and providing patient support.
We are the only registered 501c3 nonprofit for SMAS that provides financial assistance to patients. Our 100% unpaid volunteers ensures all donations directly benefit SMAS patients.
FUNDING RESEARCH
We provide funds to the IFFGD, where SMAS researchers can acquire funds for their research.
SPREADING AWARENESS
Our efforts educate both the public and medical community about this rare disease to encourage early diagnosis.
PROVIDING SUPPORT
We provide financial support and resources to patients to find providers and obtain treatment.
OUR ADVISORY BOARD
Tara Williams
President & Founder
Jean Clark
Secretary
Staci Gruber
Patient Liason
Sue Kibby
Vice President
Elouise Larson
Treasurer
