Superior Mesenteric Artery syndrome in a patient with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare, but life threatening complication occurring in prolonged bed ridden and emaciated patients. In Superior mesenteric artery syndrome, there is compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta. It can lead to acute intestinal obstruction and its related complications, thus contributing to mortality in these patients, if diagnosis is delayed or missed. Here we report the case of a patient with post hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy who was bedridden for 6 months and developed superior mesenteric artery syndrome which required emergency surgical correction. Keyword :Superior meseneric artery syndrome, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, upper gastrointestinal obstruction, weight loss