Point-of-care ultrasound findings in the diagnosis and management of Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) syndrome.

Publication/Presentation Date

2-10-2022

Abstract

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a potentially fatal condition that can be difficult to diagnose for emergency medicine physicians due to its rarity and vague gastrointestinal symptom presentation. Patients arriving at the emergency department (ED) with this condition may encounter delays in proper supportive care and treatment. We present the case of a 21-year-old female who was seen in the ED for nausea, non-bloody vomiting, and rapid weight loss. Through point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) findings, she was diagnosed with SMA syndrome and received appropriate, supportive care for her condition before catastrophic complications could occur. This case demonstrates the utility of POCUS in SMA syndrome and the importance of considering this diagnosis despite its rarity.

ISSN

1532-8171

Disciplines

Emergency Medicine | Gastroenterology

PubMedID

35241297

Department(s)

Department of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Fellows and Residents, USF-LVHN SELECT Program

Document Type

Article

Share

COinS