{"id":20814,"date":"2026-07-31T10:33:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:33:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/sessions\/severe-malnutrition-revealing-superior-mesenteric-artery-syndrome-a-multidisciplinary-diagnostic-pathway-from-primary-care\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T10:33:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:33:23","slug":"severe-malnutrition-revealing-superior-mesenteric-artery-syndrome-a-multidisciplinary-diagnostic-pathway-from-primary-care","status":"publish","type":"wsa_session","link":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/fr\/sessions\/severe-malnutrition-revealing-superior-mesenteric-artery-syndrome-a-multidisciplinary-diagnostic-pathway-from-primary-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Severe Malnutrition Revealing Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: A Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Pathway from Primary Care"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction resulting from narrowing of the aortomesenteric angle.Its symptoms are non-specific and often overlap with functional gastrointestinal disorders frequently assessed in primary care.Because progressive weight loss may aggravate the anatomical compression,SMAS can lead to a self-perpetuating cycle of malnutrition.This case illustrates the essential role of primary care in recognizing warning signs,coordinating investigations,and supporting long-term management.A 38-year-old woman was referred for nutritional evaluation due to progressive weight loss over one year. Her habitual weight was 54 kg; recent measurements showed 47.6 kg and BMI 16.8 kg\/m\u00b2.She reported early satiety, postprandial abdominal discomfort,and subjective muscle loss,with no vomiting or alarming gastrointestinal symptoms.Physical examination revealed reduced muscle mass,minimal physical activity,and stable vital signs.Laboratory studies showed no evidence of malabsorption or inflammatory disease.Duodenal biopsies demonstrated preserved villous architecture, excluding celiac disease.A contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed gastric dilation with a markedly reduced aortomesenteric distance (4 mm) and an aortomesenteric angle of 12\u00b0, consistent with SMAS.Additional findings included dilation of the left ovarian vein and periuterine varicosities,suggestive of pelvic congestion syndrome. Other abdominal organs were unremarkable.The patient was diagnosed with severe malnutrition secondary to SMAS.Nutritional therapy was initiated with high-calorie oral supplements and small frequent meals. Vascular surgery evaluated potential interventions, including stenting of the superior mesenteric artery or alternative endovascular options.Follow-up assessments monitored weight,symptom progression,and functional status.SMAS is uncommon, particularly in young adults without prior surgical history. Its overlap with benign gastrointestinal complaints often leads to delayed recognition.The coexistence of venous pelvic congestion added further complexity to the diagnostic process.Persistent weight loss and early satiety should prompt early imaging when initial evaluations are inconclusive.Primary care plays a pivotal role in detecting nutritional decline, coordinating multidisciplinary communication,and ensuring timely referral.This case highlights the importance of continuity in family medicine for monitoring subtle but progressive symptoms.Early identification of SMAS may prevent severe malnutrition and reduce the need for invasive interventions.SMAS should be considered in patients with unexplained weight loss and postprandial discomfort. Timely diagnosis and coordinated care are essential to improve outcomes and restore nutritional status.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-20814","wsa_session","type-wsa_session","status-publish","hentry","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wsa_session\/20814","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wsa_session"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/wsa_session"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20814"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}