Superior mesenteric artery syndrome
MONDO:0002687Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a digestive condition that occurs when the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) is compressed between two arteries (the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery). This compression causes partial or complete blockage of the duodenum. Symptoms vary based on severity, but can be severely debilitating. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, fullness, nausea, vomiting, and/or weight loss. SMAS typically is due toloss of the mesenteric fat pad (fatty tissue that surrounds the superior mesenteric artery). The most common cause is significant weight loss caused by medical disorders, psychological disorders, or surgery. In younger patients, it most commonly occurs after corrective spinal surgery for scoliosis. Delays in diagnosis may result in significant complications. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment options may include addressing the underlying cause, dietary changes (small feedings or a liquid diet), and/or surgery. Symptoms may not resolve completely after treatment.
Also known as: superior mesenteric artery syndrome, superior mesenteric artery syndromic disease, syndromic disease of superior mesenteric artery, Arteriomesenteric duodenal compression syndrome, Cast syndrome, Wilkie syndrome, vascular compression of the duodenum
14 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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New device aims to make aortic surgery safer
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests a new device called Rapidlink, used during open surgery to repair or replace blood vessels in the chest. It involves 150 adults already scheduled for aortic surgery. The goal is to see if the device reduces major complications like stroke or death. Participants w…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Vascutek Ltd. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 29, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Registry tracks graft performance in 1,200 artery patients
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study follows 1,200 people who received special fabric tubes (grafts) to repair or replace damaged arteries in the neck, belly, or legs. Researchers want to see how well the grafts work over time and how often problems like blockages or infections happen. It is an observatio…
Sponsor: Intervascular • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Magnets may replace surgery for some gut blockages
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests a new magnetic device that creates connections in the stomach or small intestine to bypass blockages. It is for people with conditions like gastric outlet obstruction or superior mesenteric artery syndrome. The goal is to see if the device is safe and works as in…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: GT Metabolic Solutions, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
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Shockwave therapy opens hardened arteries for Life-Saving aortic repair
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests a special balloon that uses shockwaves to crack calcium buildup in the iliac arteries, making it possible to deliver large aortic stents. About 40 adults with severe aortic disease and hardened arteries will be enrolled. The goal is to see if this approach is saf…
Sponsor: EndoCore Lab s.r.l. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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AI stethoscope aims to spot hidden heart and lung problems in children
Diagnosis Recruiting nowThis trial is developing an AI-powered device that listens to children's heart, breath, and bowel sounds to identify signs of common diseases like congenital heart disease, bronchopneumonia, and abdominal issues. It will involve 30,000 children aged 0-18, some with these conditio…
Sponsor: Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Aug 14, 2026 00:00 UTC
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One doctor or two? new study tests best way to perform balloon enteroscopy
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study compares using one doctor versus two doctors to perform a procedure called single-balloon enteroscopy, which looks deep into the small intestine. About 228 adults with suspected small bowel disease will be randomly assigned to either technique. The goal is to see if on…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Shuhui Liang • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 26, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Aortic disease study seeks to uncover hidden toll on work and Well-Being
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study tracks 300 adults with aortic disease to measure how their condition impacts quality of life, fatigue, mental health, and ability to work. Researchers will use questionnaires over 12 months to gather data. The goal is to better understand these challenges and help desi…
Sponsor: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:04 UTC
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Massive heart biobank aims to unlock secrets of aortic disease
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is creating a large biobank of blood, DNA, plasma, and tissue samples from 15,000 people with and without heart and aortic diseases. Researchers will use this information to better understand conditions like aortic aneurysm, heart failure, and bicuspid aortic valve. Th…
Sponsor: University of Michigan • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:24 UTC
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Can a simple score help doctors complete Small-Bowel scopes?
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study tests whether using a predictive model before a double-balloon enteroscopy helps doctors fully examine the small intestine. About 338 adults with suspected small-bowel disease will be randomly assigned to have their doctor see the model score or not. The main goal is t…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Shandong University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:10 UTC