Acute pancreatitis and superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) has been proposed as a rare cause of proximal bowel obstruction resulting from compression of the third portion of the duodenum secondary to narrowing of the space between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery. The main risk factors associated with SMAS are significant weight loss, corrective spinal surgery and congenital or acquired anatomic abnormalities. Its association with acute pancreatitis has been reported in very few cases. We present a critical review of this topic, with the report of a patient allegedly diagnosed of SMAS and acute pancreatitis.