The Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome and Acute Gastric Dilatation in Eating Disorders: a Report of Two Cases and a Review of the Literature

Objective: The pathophysiology and symptomatology of the superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMA syndrome) is discussed.

Method: A review of much of the available literature concerning the SMA syndrome and the associated condition acute gastric dilatation is offered.

Results: Two new cases of acute gastric dilatation in patients with eating disorders, one of whom was diagnosed with SMA syndrome, are presented, along with a discussion of these conditions in reference to the eating disorders.

Conclusion: The SMA syndrome and gastric dilatation are rare but potentially a very serious complication of eating disorders, and clinicians who work with these patients should be aware of such problems.