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Pediatric
SMAS
Resources for patients under 18
Pediatric SMAS
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WHAT CAUSES SMAS IN CHILDREN?
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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.
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.
COULD MY CHILD HAVE SMAS?
Learn more about this rare disease.
Symptoms
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Feeling full quickly
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Bloating
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Burping
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Nausea & Vomiting
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Small Bowel Obstruction
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Weight Loss
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Abdominal Pain
Causes
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Loss of fat pad
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Weight loss
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Congenital predisposition
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Elongated mesentery
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Rapid growth spurt
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Spinal conditions
Diagnostics
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CT angiogram (CTA)
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Doppler ultrasound
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Contrast study (UGIS)
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Barium swallow
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Exclusion testing
Treatment Options
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.
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 Pediatric Doctor
*Provider submissions are provided by patients and have no affiliation with the SMAS Nonprofit.
