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)
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