Acute abdominal pain caused by superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a healthy young boy.

To cite: Nishiguchi S, Shirobe T. BMJ Case Rep Published online: [please include Day Month Year] doi:10.1136/bcr-2016217512 DESCRIPTION A 19-year-old healthy Korean boy presented with severe abdominal pain during the flight from Korea to Japan. Before his flight, the patient had no abdominal pain or surgical history in the past. A knee-chest position could relieve the symptoms. Vital signs were normal except a slight elevation of body temperature. The patient was thin, with a BMI of 16.8 kg/m (figure 1). Abdominal tenderness, distention, and guarding were observed. White cell count was 17.9×10/mL with 81.9% neutrophil and C reactive protein was <0.2 mg/dL. Abdominal radiography revealed the dilated stomach (figure 2) and contrast-enhanced CT showed compression at the third part of the duodenum as well as left renal vein (figures 3 and 4), resulted in angulation and reduction in the distance between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), suggesting SMA syndrome. Nasogastric tube drainage yielded about 2000 mL of fluid, resolving the pain immediately. The diet was begun 1 day after the treatment. The patient was discharged on day 4. It was revealed that, just before his flight, the patient had an excessive eating after intentional dieting to avoid the military draft in Korea. SMA syndrome is a rare disease characterised by compression of the duodenum between the aorta and the SMA. It usually occurs in young and thin females. A common cause is losing weight by harsh dieting or eating disorders. For early diagnosis of the patient presenting with abdominal pain, it is necessary to take a recent history of losing weight, regardless their gender and situation.