Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in children.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is an uncommon clinical condition characterised by features of acute or chronic upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction. It sometimes has particular clinical associations such as weight loss, spinal surgery cast application or adhesions. Associated multiple clinical problems can complicate the picture and delay diagnosis. Diagnosis is usually by barium meal showing compression of the 3rd part of duodenum. Treatment can be conservative or surgical. Surgical treatment consists of division of the ligament of Treitz and derotation of the gut. We review our experience of four children with this syndrome.