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SMAS

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome

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WHAT IS SMAS?

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) is a rare digestive condition which causes obstruction of the 3rd portion of the duodenum due to compression by the Superior Mesenteric Artery and the Abdominal Aorta.

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This leads to symptoms such as feeling full quickly, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

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Lear More - SMAS

WHAT CAUSES SMAS?

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Two measurements are especially important for the diagnosis of SMAS:

  • The distance between the SMA and Aorta

    • Normal = 28-65 degrees

    • SMAS = 6-22 degrees

  • The angle between the SMA and Aorta

    • Normal = 10-34 mm

    • SMAS = 2-8 mm

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SMAS has a variety of causes, most of which relate to the SMA-aortic angle. The intestine is located in between these two arteries, and if the space between them is too small, the intestine is compressed or squished. This makes it is more difficult for food to pass through, like trying to drink out of a straw that is being crushed.

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The angle can be reduced by loss of the mesenteric fat pad. The fat pad is fatty tissue that surrounds the mesenteric artery and helps to hold open the angle. Weight loss causes the fat pad to reduce and the angle to narrow. Spinal conditions, surgery, bedrest, and comorbid diseases can also cause the angle to narrow.

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COULD I HAVE SMAS?

Learn more about this rare disease.

Symptoms

  • Feeling full quickly

  • Bloating

  • Burping

  • Nausea & Vomiting

  • Small Bowel Obstruction

  • Weight Loss

  • Abdominal Pain

Causes

  • Loss of fat pad

  • Weight loss

  • Congenital predisposition

  • Elongated mesentery

  • Rapid growth spurt

  • Spinal conditions

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Diagnostics

  • CT angiogram (CTA)

  • Doppler ultrasound

  • Contrast study (UGIS)

  • Barium swallow

  • Exclusion testing

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Treatment Options

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Management

The first line of treatment is often management via high calorie diets, positioning, and feeding tubes.

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Surgical Options

There are several surgical options for SMAS that have great success rates.

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Diet & Nutrition

High calorie diets and meal replacement shakes are ideal to regain the mesenteric fat pad.

Common Comorbidities

SMAS patients may have these conditions as well:

Common Comorbidities

Find a Doctor

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Gastroenterologists

GI doctors provide diagnostic services, help with treatment, and feeding tube placement.

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Surgeons

There are a variety of surgeries to treat SMAS. See a list of SMAS surgeons.

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Search by Location

Find a doctor near you with our comprehensive list submitted by patients.

*Provider submissions are provided by patients and have no affiliation with the SMAS Nonprofit.

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Pediatric
SMAS

Resources for patients under 18

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You're not alone

Although SMAS is rare, the support among our community is not. Connect with other SMAS patients through support groups, mailing lists, and comfort boxes.

We also offer grants to help with medical care.

MAKE A
DIFFERENCE

0.013% is not too rare to care

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