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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

  • 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

Diagnostics

  • CT angiogram (CTA)

  • Doppler ultrasound

  • Contrast study (UGIS)

  • Barium swallow

  • Exclusion testing

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 Pediatric Doctor

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

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You're not alone

Although SMAS is rare, the support among our community is not. Connect with other parents and caregivers of 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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