Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in children

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is an uncommon clinical condition chara cterised by features of acute or chronic upper gastrointestinal tract obstr uction. It sometimes has particular clinical associations such as weight lo ss, spinal surgery cast application or adhesions. Associated multiple clini cal problems can complicate the picture and delay diagnosis. Diagnosis is u sually by barium meal showing compression of the 3rd part of duodenum. Trea tment can be conservative or surgical. Surgical treatment consists of divis ion of the ligament of Treitz and derotation of the gut. We review our expe rience of four children with this syndrome.