How is SMA syndrome diagnosed?

A diagnosis can be confirmed by imaging studies such as an upper GI series (x-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum), hypotonic duodenography (an x-ray procedure that produces images of the duodenum), and computed tomography (CT scan).

What does SMA feel like?

Symptoms may include abdominal pain, fullness, nausea, vomiting, and/or weight loss. SMAS typically is due to loss of the mesenteric fat pad (fatty tissue that surrounds the superior mesenteric artery). The most common cause is significant weight loss caused by medical disorders, psychological disorders, or surgery.

How common is SMA syndrome?

SMA syndrome is a rare pathology with an incidence that ranges between 0.013 and 0.3% [7]. The defining feature of this entity is upper gastrointestinal obstruction caused by compression of the third part of the duodenum between the SMA anteriorly and the aorta posteriorly [9].

Is SMA syndrome serious?

What is SMA syndrome? Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare type of compression of the small intestine. It’s a treatable condition, but a delayed diagnosis can lead to more severe symptoms or even death.

Is SMA always fatal?

What is the prognosis? Prognosis varies depending on the type of SMA. Some forms of SMA are fatal without treatment. People with SMA may appear to be stable for long periods, but improvement should not be expected without treatment.

How painful is SMA syndrome?

The abdominal pain can be severe after intake of food or drink because the pulsation of the SMA becomes stronger and bounding against the duodenum. Food aversion or food fear follows which aggravates the weight loss and worsens SMA syndrome.

How do you eat with SMA syndrome?

Nutrition implications of SMA Syndrome Some individuals may be able to tolerate small, frequent meals or a liquid or soft diet. In contrast, other individuals may not be able to tolerate oral or gastric enteral feeding at all, in which case, nasojejunal feeding or parenteral nutrition may be needed.

How long do SMA patients live?

The life expectancy of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type I is generally considered to be less than 2 years. Recently, with the introduction of proactive treatments, a longer survival and an improved survival rate have been reported.

How long can you live with muscle atrophy?

Some may eventually need to use a wheelchair. Symptoms usually appear around 18 months of age or in early childhood. Children with this type of SMA generally have an almost normal life expectancy.

What is SMA stomach?

Summary. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare condition that involves compression of the third portion of the duodenum which is the upper part of the small intestines just past the stomach.

Is SMA syndrome a disability?

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a debilitating disease that can be classified as a disability if symptoms are severe enough to cause significant impairments.

Is SMA syndrome painful?

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting that may be undiagnosed in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). We report a 54-year-old male presenting to a community ED with abdominal pain and the subsequent radiographic findings.

Who is the oldest person with SMA?

Steve Mikita is one of the oldest people living with SMA at 64 years old.

Does SMA get worse with age?

Symptoms usually begin after age 35 and slowly get worse over time. Because it develops slowly, many people with type IV SMA don’t know that they have it until years after symptoms begin.