Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in Type 1 Diabetes Masquerading as Gastroparesis
- Luigi F Meneghini, M.D., M.B.A., Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine (LMeneghi{at}med.miami.edu)1,
- Anthony R. Hogan, MD, Research Fellow, Resident2 and
- Gennaro Selvaggi, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery3
- 1 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- 2 Diabetes Research Institute, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- 3 DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery; Transplant Institute, and Diabetes Research Institute University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Abstract
Objective: We describe and discuss a case of superior mesenteric artery syndrome presenting with gastrointestinal signs and symptoms mistakenly attributed to, and treated as, diabetic gastroparesis.
Research Design & Methods: Case report describing the clinical presentation, including history and physical examination, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a patient with type 1 diabetes presenting with gastrointestinal complications.
Results: Clinical suspicion combined with the appropriate radiological evaluation led to a diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery syndrome, with classic findings of reduced aortomesenteric angle and distance. Surgical intervention resulted in resolution of symptoms and recovery of glycemic control.
Conclusions: The possibility of superior mesenteric artery syndrome should be considered in patients with type 1 diabetes presenting with gastrointestinal symptomatology, especially when associated with weight loss.
Footnotes
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- Received March 19, 2008.
- Accepted July 3, 2008.
- Copyright © American Diabetes Association
