THE SUPERIOR MESENTERIC-ARTERY SYNDROME AND ACUTE GASTRIC DILATATION IN EATING DISORDERS - A REPORT OF 2 CASES AND A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Objective: The pathophysiology and symptomatology of the superior mese nteric artery syndrome (SMA syndrome) is discussed. Method: A review o f much of the available literature concerning the SMA syndrome and the associated condition acute gastric dilatation is offered. Results: Tw o new cases of acute gastric dilatation in patients with eating disord ers, one of whom was diagnosed with SMA syndrome, are presented, along with a discussion of these conditions in reference to the eating diso rders. Conclusion: The SMA syndrome and gastric dilatation are rare bu t potentially a very serious complication of eating disorders, and cli nicians who work with these patients should be aware of such problems. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.