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Vascular CT Appearances

 

 


Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Syndrome CT Findings

  • SMA angle of 6-25 degrees (normally 38-56 degrees)
  • SMA to aorta distance 2-8mm (normally 10-20mm)

SMA Syndrome CT Findings

Other Information About SMA Syndrome

Etiology:

  • Trauma
  • Prolonged bed rest
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Rapid growth without weight gain
  • Lordosis

Epidemiology:

  • More common in females
  • Typically presents before age 40

Presentation:

  • Postprandial abdominal pain
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Early satiety
  • Abdominal distension
  • Dyspepsia

Prognosis:

  • SMA syndrome can be life-threatening
  • SMA syndrome can be treated or managed quickly with an excellent prognosis

Related Pearls: SMA

Related Lectures:
CT of the Aorta & Its Branches: Acute Processes - Part 1
CT Evaluation of Small Bowel Obstruction - Part 5
CT Evaluation of Suspected SBO: State of the Art 2024 - Part 4
CT of the Abdominal Aorta and Its Branches: Aneurysms, Dissections and Vasculitis - Part 1

Learning Modules:
Computed Tomography of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: The Role of Multiplanar Reconstruction and 3D Imaging

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