Simultaneous Compression of the Celiac Trunk, Superior Mesenteric Artery, and Renal Arteries by the Median Arcuate Ligament: About One Case

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), is a rare abdominal vascular compression syndrome caused by the compression of the proximal celiac trunk by the median arcuate ligament. According to many authors, a low insertion of the diaphragmatic crura or an abnormally high origin of the celiac trunk from the aorta can cause compression of the celiac artery. Usually, patients with MALS are asymptomatic. Computed tomography (CT) angiography of the abdomen is the main imaging modality to confirm the diagnosis. The coexistence of celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery compression by the median arcuate ligament is rarely described in the literature. To our knowledge, until now, a simultaneous combination of three abdominal vascular compressions by the median arcuate ligament has never been described. From this case, we report a simultaneous compression of the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and renal arteries by the median arcuate ligament.

Dynamic ultrasonography for optimizing treatment position in superior mesenteric artery syndrome:Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta(SMA-Ao).Although the left lateral recumbent position is considered effective in the treatment of SMA syndrome,individual variations in the optimal patient position have been noted.In this report,we present two elderly cases of SMA syndrome that exhibited rapid recovery due to ultrasonographic dynamic evaluation of the optimal position for each patient.CASE SUMMARY Case 1:A 90-year-old man with nausea and vomiting.Following diagnosis of SMA syndrome by computed tomography(CT),ultrasonography(US)revealed the SMA-Ao distance in the supine position(4 mm),which slightly improved in the lateral position(5.7–7.0 mm)without the passage of duodenal contents.However,in the sitting position,the SMA-Ao distance was increased to 15 mm accompanied by improved content passage.Additionally,US indicated enhanced passage upon abdominal massage on the right side.By day 2,the patient could eat comfortably with the optimal position and massage.Case 2:An 87-year-old woman with vomiting.After the diagnosis of SMA syndrome and aspiration pneumonia by CT,dynamic US confirmed the optimal position(SMA-Ao distance was improved to 7 mm in forward-bent position,whereas it remained at 5 mm in the supine position).By day 7 when her pneumonia recovered,she could eat with the optimal position.CONCLUSION The optimal position for SMA syndrome varies among individuals.Dynamic US appears to be a valuable tool in improving patient outcomes.

Comprehensive interventions for adult cyclic vomiting syndrome complicated by superior mesenteric artery syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Cyclic vomiting syndrome(CVS)is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder involving the gut–brain interaction that is characterized by recurring episodes of nausea,vomiting,abdominal pain,and interspersed complete normal periods.Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome(SMAS)is a vascular condition in which the horizontal portion of the duodenum is compressed due to a reduced angle between the aorta and the SMA.This condition presents with symptoms similar to CVS,posing challenges in distinguishing between the two and often resulting in misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 20-year-old female patient presented with recurrent episodes of vomiting and experienced a persistent fear of vomiting for the past 2 years.She adopted conscious dietary restrictions,which led to severe malnutrition.Initially,she was diagnosed with SMAS,as revealed by computed tomography angiography.Despite efforts to increase the angle between the aorta and the SMA through weight gain,her vomiting did not improve.Finally,she was diagnosed with comorbidities including CVS,SMAS and anxiety disorder.She underwent comprehensive interventions,including enteral and parenteral nutritional supplementation,administration of antiemetic and anti-anxiety agents,and participation in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.The patient eventually experienced a notable improvement in both body weight and clinical symptoms.CONCLUSION We present a rare case of CVS in an adult complicated with SMAS and propose additional treatment with nutritional support,pharmacological intervention,and psychotherapy.

Emergency rescue of a patient with hemorrhagic shock caused by superior mesenteric artery rupture:A case report

BACKGROUND Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)injuries rarely occur during blunt abdominal injuries,with an incidence of<1%.The clinical manifestations mainly include abdominal hemorrhage and peritoneal irritation,which progress rapidly and are easily misdiagnosed.Quick and accurate diagnosis and timely effective treatment are greatly significant in managing emergent cases.This report describes emergency rescue by a multidisciplinary team of a patient with hemorrhagic shock caused by SMA rupture.CASE SUMMARY A 55-year-old man with hemorrhagic shock presented with SMA rupture.On admission,he showed extremely unstable vital signs and was unconscious with a laceration on his head,heart rate of 143 beats/min,shallow and fast breathing(frequency>35 beats/min),and blood pressure as low as 20/10 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa).Computed tomography revealed abdominal and pelvic hematocele effusion,suggesting active bleeding.The patient was suspected of partial rupture of the distal SMA branch.The patient underwent emergency mesenteric artery ligation,scalp suture,and liver laceration closure.In view of conditions with acute onset,rapid progression,and high bleeding volume,key points of nursing were conducted,including activating emergency protocol,opening of the green channel,and arranging relevant examinations with various medical staff for quick diagnosis.The seamless collaboration of the multidisciplinary team helped shorten the preoperative preparation time.Emergency laparotomy exploration and mesenteric artery ligation were performed to mitigate hemorrhagic shock while establishing efficient venous accesses and closely monitoring the patient’s condition to ensure hemodynamic stability.Strict measures were taken to avoid intraoperative hypothermia and infection.CONCLUSION After 3.5 h of emergency rescue and medical care,bleeding was successfully controlled,and the patient’s condition was stabilized.Subsequently,the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for continuous monitoring and treatment.On the sixth day,the patient was weaned off the ventilator,extubated,and relocated to a specialized ward.Through diligent medical intervention and attentive nursing,the patient made a full recovery and was discharged on day 22.The follow-up visit confirmed the patient’s successful recovery.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, a Rare Complication of Severe Malnutrition: Two Cases from a Subsaharian Endocrinology Department

Introduction: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS), a rare diagnosis due to compression of the third duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the aorta resulting in bowel obstruction, may lead to severe malnutrition. We report two cases of patients hospitalised in the Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nutrition Department of the National Hospital Center (NHC) of Pikine. Observations: Patient 1: A 35-year-old female was referred for an aetiological diagnosis due to a rapid weight loss of 15 kilograms in one month, accompanied by persistent vomiting, following an appendectomy performed a month before admission. Upon clinical examination, she presented severe malnutrition (Buzby index of 76%), early post-prandial chronic vomiting, and a poor general condition. An abdominal CT scan revealed aortomesenteric clamp syndrome (AMCS) with an angulation between the aorta and the SMA of 13˚. The underlying cause in this patient was severe malnutrition. Fortunately, her condition improved with medical treatment. Patient 2: We report the case of a 30-year-old female hospitalized due to unusual weight-bearing post-prandial epigastric pain and intermittent vomiting over the past six months. Upon physical examination at admission, she exhibited severe malnutrition with a body mass index (BMI) of 14 kg/m2, a Buzby index of 71%, trophic disorders, and a stage IV general condition assessment according to the World Health Organization (WHO). An abdominal CT scan revealed AMCS with an angle between the aorta and the SMA of 22˚ and an aortomesenteric space of 4 mm. The outcome was poor with medical treatment failure and, unfortunately, the patient died before surgery. Conclusion: SMAS is rarely evoked in clinical practice despite the presence of contributing factors and suggestive clinical signs. The prognosis depends on management time.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome:Diagnosis and management

Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome(also known as Wilkie's syndrome,cast syndrome,or aorto-mesenteric compass syndrome)is an obstruction of the duodenum caused by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta.The median age of patients is 23 years old(range 0-91 years old)and predominant in females over males with a ratio of 3:2.The symptoms are variable,consisting of postprandial abdominal pain,nausea and vomiting,early satiety,anorexia,and weight loss and can mimic anorexia nervosa or functional dyspepsia.Because recurrent vomiting leads to aspiration pneumonia or respiratory depression via metabolic alkalosis,early diagnosis is required.The useful diagnostic modalities are computed tomography as a standard tool and ultrasonography,which has advantages in safety and capability of real-time assessments of SMA mobility and duodenum passage.The initial treatment is usually conservative,including postural change,gastroduodenal decompression,and nutrient management(success rates:70%-80%).If conservative therapy fails,surgical treatment(i.e.,laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy)is recommended(success rates:80%-100%).

Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection:An updated review of the literature

Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection(ISMAD)is a rare but potentially life-threatening cause of acute abdominal pain.Owing to the availability of computed tomography angiography,more cases have been detected during screening for acute abdomen in recent years.With increasing knowledge of ISMAD,a better management strategy is being developed.To enhance our understanding and improve treatment outcomes of ISMAD,a systematic literature review was conducted with a focus on diagnosis and management strategies based on existing evidence.

How to deal with right hepatic artery coming from the superior mesenteric artery during minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review

Background: Anatomical variations in the liver arterial supply are quite common and can affect the surgical strategy when performing a minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy(MIPD). Their presence must be preemptively detected to avoid postoperative liver and biliary complications. Data sources: Following the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane protocol we conducted a systematic review on the management of an accessory or replaced right hepatic artery(RHA) arising from the superior mesenteric artery when performing an MIPD. Results: Five studies involving 118 patients were included. The most common reported management of the aberrant RHA was conservative(97.0%);however, patients undergoing aberrant RHA division without reconstruction did not develop liver or biliary complications. No differences in postoperative morbidity or long-term oncological related overall survival were reported in all the included studies when comparing MIPD in patients with standard anatomy to those with aberrant RHA. Conclusions: MIPD in patients with aberrant RHA is feasible without increase in morbidity and mortality. As preoperative strategy is crucial, we suggested planning an MIPD with an anomalous RHA focusing on preoperative vascular aberrancy assessment and different strategies to reduce the risk of liver ischemia.

Causes of epigastric pain and vomiting after laparoscopic-assisted radical right hemicolectomy-superior mesenteric artery syndrome

BACKGROUND Superior mesenteric artery syndrome(SMAS)is a rare condition causing functional obstruction of the third portion of the duodenum.Postoperative SMAS following laparoscopic-assisted radical right hemicolectomy is even less prevalent and can often be unrecognized by radiologists and clinicians.AIM To analyze the clinical features,risk factors,and prevention of SMAS after laparoscopic-assisted radical right hemicolectomy.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 256 patients undergoing laparoscopicassisted radical right hemicolectomy in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from January 2019 to May 2022.The occurrence of SMAS and its countermeasures were evaluated.Among the 256 patients,SMAS was confirmed in six patients(2.3%)by postoperative clinical presentation and imaging features.All six patients were examined by enhanced computed tomography(CT)before and after surgery.Patients who developed SMAS after surgery were used as the experimental group.A simple random sampling method was used to select 20 patients who underwent surgery at the same time but did not develop SMAS and received preoperative abdominal enhanced CT as the control group.The angle and distance between the superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta were measured before and after surgery in the experimental group and before surgery in the control group.The preoperative body mass index(BMI)of the experimental group and the control group was calculated.The type of lymphadenectomy and surgical approach in the experimental and control groups were recorded.The differences in angle and distance were compared preoperatively and postoperatively in the experimental group compared.The differences in angle,distance,BMI,type of lymphadenectomy and surgical approach between the experimental and control groups were compared,and the diagnostic efficacy of the significant parameters was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.RESULTS In the experimental group,the aortomesenteric angle and distance after surgery were significantly decreased than those before surgery(P<0.05).The aortomesenteric angle,distance and BMI were significantly higher in the control group than in the experimental(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the type of lymphadenectomy and surgical approach between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The small preoperative aortomesenteric angle and distance and low BMI may be important factors for the complication.Over-cleaning of lymph fatty tissues may also be associated with this complication.

An Anatomical and Radiological Study of Origins of the Arteries Forming the Celiac Trunk: Clinical and Embryological Implications

The blood supply to the most of abdominal organs is provided by the branches of CT. The SMA supply caecum, ascends colon, all of the small bowels except the upper part of duodenum. Knowledge of variable anatomy of celiac axis and SMA may be useful in planning and executing radiological interventions such as celiacography and chemoembolization of hepatic and pancreatic tumors. In this study, the uncommon or low percentage cases of CT and SMA are presented in the light of clinical and embryological information. The celiac axises of a total of 30 adult corpses were examined. Dissections of abdominal region were performed in detail according to Cunningham’s manual. Angiographic images of 100 consecutive adult patients who underwent celiac MDCT angiography were evaluated. During autopsies, an incomplete celiac trunk or bifurcation of celiac trunk associated with the hepatomesenteric and gastrosplenic trunks (0.7%) and a celiacomesenteric trunk associated with high origin superior mesenteric artery and gastrosplenic trunk were detected (0.7%). During MDCT angiography, a case of total absence of celiac trunk associated with a hepatosplenomesenteric trunk (0.7%) and also a case of total absence of celiac trunk alone were observed (0.7%). The persistence or unusual development of ventral splanchnic arteries (VSAs) or ventral longitudinal anastomosis may result in variations or the unusual trunks related to celiac axis and SMA. The anomalous trunks of the CT may be result of either the persistence of some parts of the VSAs or ventral longitudinal anastomose that normally disappear or disappearance of parts that normally persist. The prevalence of unusual trunks of celiac axis and SMA in this study is quite low in literature. These abnormal vessels pose problems for surgeons and radiologists. Such vascular anomalies may cause clinical complications following surgical and radiological procedures such as resection of tumor of the pancreatic head, lymphadenectomy, coeliacography, aortic replacement with reimplantation of the trunk and coembolization of pancreatic and liver tumors.

Three-dimensional printing for preoperative rehearsal and intraoperative navigation during laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery with left colic artery preservation

BACKGROUND Prior studies have shown that preserving the left colic artery(LCA)during laparo-scopic radical resection for rectal cancer(RC)can reduce the occurrence of anasto-motic leakage(AL),without compromising oncological outcomes.However,anatomical variations in the branches of the inferior mesenteric artery(IMA)and LCA present significant surgical challenges.In this study,we present our novel three dimensional(3D)printed IMA model designed to facilitate preoperative rehearsal and intraoperative navigation to analyze its impact on surgical safety.AIM To investigate the effect of 3D IMA models on preserving the LCA during RC surgery.METHODS We retrospectively collected clinical dates from patients with RC who underwent laparoscopic radical resection from January 2022 to May 2024 at Fuyang People’s Hospital.Patients were divided into the 3D printing and control groups for sta-tistical analysis of perioperative characteristics.RESULTS The 3D printing observation group comprised of 72 patients,while the control group comprised 68 patients.The operation time(174.5±38.2 minutes vs 198.5±49.6 minutes,P=0.002),intraoperative blood loss(43.9±31.3 mL vs 58.2±30.8 mL,P=0.005),duration of hospitalization(13.1±3.1 days vs 15.9±5.6 days,P<0.001),postoperative recovery time(8.6±2.6 days vs 10.5±4.9 days,P=0.007),and the postoperative complication rate(P<0.05)were all significantly lower in the observation group.CONCLUSION Utilization of a 3D-printed IMA model in laparoscopic radical resection of RC can assist surgeons in understanding the LCA anatomy preoperatively,thereby reducing intraoperative bleeding and shortening operating time,demonstrating better clinical application potential.

No-touch isolation technique in emergency pancreaticoduodenectomy for neoplastic hemorrhage: Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Emergency pancreaticoduodenectomy(EPD)is a rare event for complex periam-pullary etiology.Increased intraoperative blood loss is correlated with poor post-operative outcomes.CASE SUMMARY Two patients underwent EPD using a no-touch isolation technique,in which all arteries supplying the pancreatic head region were ligated and divided before manipulation of the pancreatic head and duodenum.The operative times were 220 and 239 min,and the blood loss was 70 and 270 g,respectively.The patients were discharged on the 14^(th) and 10^(th) postoperative day,respectively.Thirty-two patients underwent EPD for the treatment of neoplastic bleeding.The mean operative time was 361.6 min,and the mean blood loss was 747.3 g.The comp-lication rate was 37.5%.The in-hospital mortality rate was 9.38%.CONCLUSION The no-touch isolation technique is feasible,safe,and effective for reducing intraoperative blood loss in EPD.

DeBakey Type III Aortic Dissection Causing Bowel Necrosis: A Case Report

Rationale:Aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality.Preoperative mesenteric malperfusion increases the surgical risk and mortality in patients with type B aortic dissection.For DeBakey type III B patients involving most of the thoracoabdominal aorta,endovascular treatment to improve true lumen perfusion may have limited benefits.Organ reperfusion on-time is crucial.Patient concerns:A 38-year-old man was admitted with sudden severe upper abdominal pain.Emergency CTA of the entire aorta revealed an aortic dissection with an entry tear in the descending aortic arch involving the celiac trunk,superior mesenteric artery,bilateral common iliac arteries and right external iliac artery,with thrombosis in the superior mesenteric artery.Diagnoses:The patient was diagnosed with DeBakey type III aortic dissection with mesenteric artery embolism.Enhanced chest CT showed the entry tear location and involvement of major arteries.Angiography confirmed partial blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery.Interventions:The patient underwent endovascular aortic stent-graft implantation through the left femoral artery,covering the descending aortic arch and sealing the entry tear.Postoperatively,the patient received intensive care,including ventilatory support,CRRT,anti-infection therapy,vasoactive drugs and lumbar cistern drainage.Outcomes:Two weeks postoperatively,the patient developed massive black stools,indicative of intestinal obstruction and necrosis.Exploratory laparotomy revealed ischemic necrosis and rupture of the stomach,small intestine,and colon.Despite surgical efforts,the patient’s condition deteriorated,leading to death from severe infection,acid-base imbalance and multiple organ failure.

Clinical outcomes of transcatheter selective superior mesenteric artery urokinase infusion therapy vs transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with cirrhosis and acute portal vein thrombosis

AIM To compare the outcomes of transcatheter superior mesenteric artery(SMA) urokinase infusion and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) for acute portal vein thrombosis(PVT) in cirrhosis.METHODS From January 2013 to December 2014, patients with liver cirrhosis and acute symptomatic PVT who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either an SMA group or a TIPS group. The two groups accepted transcatheter selective SMA urokinase infusion therapyand TIPS, respectively. The total follow-up time was24 mo. The primary outcome measure was the change in portal vein patency status which was evaluated by angio-computed tomography or Doppler ultrasound.Secondary outcomes were rebleeding and hepatic encephalopathy.RESULTS A total of 40 patients were enrolled, with 20 assigned to the SMA group and 20 to the TIPS group. The symptoms of all patients in the two groups improved within 48 h. PVT was improved in 17(85%) patients in the SMA group and 14(70%) patients in the TIPS group. The main portal vein(MPV) thrombosis was significantly reduced in both groups(P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference between them(P= 0.304). In the SMA group, superior mesenteric vein(SMV) thrombosis and splenic vein(SV) thrombosis were significantly reduced(P = 0.048 and P = 0.02),which did not occur in the TIPS group. At 6-, 12-,and 24-mo follow-up, in the SMA group and the TIPS group, the cumulative rates free of the first episode of rebleeding were 80%, 65%, and 45% vs 90%, 80%,and 60%, respectively(P = 0.320); the cumulative rates free of the first episode of hepatic encephalopathy were 85%, 80%, and 65% vs 50%, 40%, and 35%,respectively(P = 0.022).CONCLUSION Transcatheter selective SMA urokinase infusion and TIPS are safe and effective for acute symptomatic PVT in cirrhosis.

Surgical management of peritonitis secondary to acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion

Diagnosis of acute arterial mesenteric ischemia in the early stages is now possible using modern computed tomography with intravenous contrast enhancement and imaging in the arterial and/or portal phase.Most patients have acute superior mesenteric artery(SMA)occlusion,and a large proportion of these patients will develop peritonitis prior to mesenteric revascularization,and explorative laparotomy will therefore be necessary to evaluate the extent and severity of intestinal ischemia,and to perform bowel resections.The establishment of a hybrid operating room in vascular units in hospitals is most important to be able to perform successful intestinal revascularization.This review outlines current frontline surgical strategies to improve survival and minimize bowel morbidity in patients with peritonitis secondary to acute SMA occlusion.Explorative laparotomy needs to be performed first.Curative treatment is based upon intestinal revascularization followed by bowel resection.If no vascular imaging has been carried out,SMA angiography is performed.In case of embolic occlusion of the SMA,open embolectomy is performed followed by angiography.In case of thrombotic occlusion,the occlusive lesion can be recanalized retrograde from an exposed SMA,the guidewire snared from either the femoral or brachial artery,and stented with standard devices from these access sites.Bowel resections and sometimes gall bladder removal due to transmural infarctions are performed at initial laparotomy,leaving definitive bowel reconstructions to a planned second look laparotomy,according to the principles of damage control surgery.Patients with peritonitis secondary to acute SMA occlusion should be managed by both the general and vascular surgeon,and a hybrid revascularization approach is of utmost importance to improve outcomes.

Superior mesenteric artery first approach versus standard pancreaticoduodenectomy： a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND： The superior mesenteric artery（SMA） first approach was proposed recently as a new modification of the standard pancreaticoduodenectomy. Increasing evidence showed that a periadventiceal dissection of the SMA with early transection of the inflow during pancreaticoduodenectomy associates better early perioperative results, and setup the scene for long-term oncological benefits. The objectives of the current study are to compare the operative results and long-term oncological outcomes of SMA first approach pancreaticoduodenectomy（SMA-PD） with standard pancreaticoduodenectomy（S-PD）.DATA SOURCES： Electronic search of the PubM ed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed until July 2015. We considered randomized controlled trials（RCTs） and non-randomized comparative studies（NRCSs） comparing SMA-PD with S-PD to be eligible if they included patients with periampullary cancers.RESULTS： A total of one RCT and thirteen NRCSs met the inclusion criteria, involving 640 patients with SMA-PD and 514 patients with S-PD. The SMA-PD was associated with less intraoperative bleeding, less blood transfusions and higher rate of associated venous resections. The pancreatic fistula and delayed gastric emptying had a significantly lower rate in the SMA-PD group. There were no differences between the two approaches regarding overall complications, major complication rates and in-hospital mortality. There was no difference regarding R0 resection rate, and one-, two-or three-year over-all survival. The SMA-PD was associated with a lower local, hepatic and extrahepatic metastatic rate.CONCLUSIONS： The SMA-PD is associated with better perioperative outcomes, such as blood loss, transfusion requirements, pancreatic fistula, and delayed gastric emptying. Although the one-, two-or three-year overall survival rate is not superior, the SMA-PD has a lower local and metastatic recurrence rate.

ALTERATION IN CONTRACTILE RESPONSE TO NORADRENALINE, 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE, S ARAFOTOXIN 6c, AND ANGIOTENSINⅡ IN RAT MESENTERIC ARTERY DURING ORGAN CULTURE

Objective To compare the vasoconstrictive eff ects of 9 mediators on fresh and incubated mesenteric arteries of rats. Methods The superior mesenteric artery of rat was removed and t he endothelium was denuded. The vessels were cut into 1 mm long cylindrical segm ents and subjected to organ culture for 24 hours. Fresh or incubated segments we re immersed into tissue baths and the concentration-response curves were obtain ed by cumulative administration of the vasoconstrictors. Results In fresh mesenteric artery, endothelin-1 (ET-1), 5-h ydroxytryptamine (5-HT), noradrenaline (NA), 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), and angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ) induced potent and sustained constrictions in a concen tration-dependent manner. The contraction induced by sarafotoxin 6c (S6c) was w eak, while bradykinin (BK), des-Arg-bradykinin (DA-BK), and human urotensinⅡ (hUT-II) showed no detectable contraction. The concentraion-response curves i n order of slopes was ET-1, NA, 5-HT, 5-CT, and AngⅡ. The order of the maxim um contractions was ET-1>NA=5-HT=5-CT>AngⅡ>S6c. After organ culture, the con centration-response curves induced by S6c, NA, and 5-HT were significantly inc reased, while that induced by AngⅡ was decreased as comparing to fresh arteries . BK contracted the artery only weakly. Conclusion Organ culture changed the phenotypes towards an increased efficacy of NA, 5-HT, S6c, and a reduced efficacy of AngⅡ, which is in accordance with the results o f pharmacological characterization in some human vascular disease.

Mesenteric lymph reperfusion may exacerbate brain injury in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion shock

BACKGROUND：The intestinal lymphatic pathway and intestinal ischemia/reperfusion are mainly involved in mesenteric lymph duct ligation or drainage; moreover,intervention by reducing the lymph liquid reflux might relieve lung and other organ dysfunction induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion; however,research addressing mesenteric lymph reperfusion （MLR） and brain injury has not yet to be reported.OBJECTIVE：To observe the effect of MLR on brain tissue in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion （SMAO） shock,and to explore the molecular mechanism of MLR.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING：A randomized,controlled,animal experiment at a neuro-pathophysiology level was performed at the Institute of Microcirculation,Hebei North University; Department of Pathophysiology,Basic Medical College; Department of Pathology,the First Hospital of Hebei North University between December 2007 and March 2009.MATERIALS：Adenosine triphosphate （ATP） standard was provided by the National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products; lactic acid （LA）,superoxide dismutase （SOD）,malonaldehyde （MDA）,nitrogen monoxidum （NO）,nitric oxide synthase （NOS）,myeloperoxidase （MPO） and ATPase assay kits were provided by Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute,China.METHODS：A total of 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups.In the sham-surgery group （n = 6）,both the mesenteric lymph duct and the superior mesenteric artery were not blocked; in the MLR group （n = 6）,the mesenteric lymph duct was occluded for 1 hour followed by 2-hour reperfusion; in the SMAO group （n = 6）,the superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 1 hour followed by 2-hour reperfusion; in the MLR ＋ SMAO group （n = 6）,both the mesenteric lymph duct and superior mesenteric artery were occluded for 1 hour followed by 2-hour reperfusion.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：Mean arterial blood pressure prior to and following ischemia/reperfusion; brain tissue morphology levels of LA,MDA,SOD,NO,NOS,MPO,ATPase and ATP following reperfusion.RESULTS：MLR did not cause changes in mean arterial blood pressure,brain tissue morphology,LA,MDA,NO,ATP,SOD,NOS,MPO and ATPase.However,SMAO caused a rapid decrease and gradual increase of mean arterial blood pressure.Neuronal necrosis,degeneration and swelling were observed in brain tissue.Contents of MDA,NO,LA and ATP as well as activities of NOS and MPO were significantly increased （P〈 0.05）,but activities of SOD and Na＋-K＋-ATPase were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05）.MLR aggravated neuronal damage in a rat model of SMAO shock.Following MLR,mean arterial blood pressure was significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05）,contents of MDA and NO as well as activities of NOS and MPO were significantly increased （P 〈0.05）,but activities of Ca2＋-ATPase,Mg2＋-ATPase and Ca2＋-Mg2＋-ATPase as well as ATP content were significantly decreased （P〈 0.05）.CONCLUSION：MLR aggravates brain injury in a rat model of SMAO shock,which correlates with oxygen-derived free radical injury,NO synthesis and release,sequestration of neutrophilic granulocytes,decreasing activity of cell membrane pumps and energy metabolism dysfunction.Pathogenesis of the intestinal lymphatic pathway should be thoroughly investigated to prevent ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome following scoliosis surgery: Its risk indicators and treatment strategy

AIM: To investigate the risk indicators, pattern of clinical presentation and treatment strategy of superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) after scoliosis surgery.METHODS: From July 1997 to October 2003, 640 patients with adolescent scoliosis who had undergone surgical treatment were evaluated prospectively, and among them seven patients suffered from SMAS after operation. Each patient was assigned a percentile for weight and a percentile for height. Values of the 5th、 10th、 25th、 50th、 75th、 and 95thpercentiles were selected to divide the observations. The sagittal Cobb angle was used to quantify thoracic or thoracolumbar kyphosis. All the seven patients presented with nausea and intermittent vomiting about 5 d after operation.An upper gastrointestinal barium contrast study showed a straight-line cutoff at the third portion of the duodenum representing extrinsic compression by the superior mesenteric artery (SMA).RESULTS: The value of height in the seven patients with SMAS was above the mean of sex- and age-matchednormal population, and the height percentile ranged from 5% to 50%. On the contrary, the value of weight was below the mean of normal population with the weight percentile ranging from 5% to 25%. Among the seven patients, four had a thoracic hyperkyphosis ranging from 55° to 88°(average 72°), two had a thoracolumbar kyphosis of 25° and 32° respectively. The seven patients were treated with fasting, antiemetic medication, and intravenous fluids infusion. Reduction or suspense of traction was adopted in three patients with SMAS during halo-femoral traction after anterior release of scoliosis. All the patients recovered completely with no sequelae. No one required operative intervention with a laparotomy.CONCLUSION: Height percentile＜50% , weight percentile ＜25%, sagittal kyphosis, heavy and quick halo-femoral traction after spinal anterior release are the potential risk indicators for SMAS in patients undergoing correction surgery for adolescent scoliosis.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a diabetic patient with acute weight loss

Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome is an un- common disease resulting compression of the third portion of the duodenum from the superior mesenteric artery.This disease shares many common manifestations with diabetic gastroparesis,including postprandial fullness,nausea,vomiting,and bloating.Therefore,it is often overlooked in diabetic patients.Here,we report a 41-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetic mellitus who developed SMA syndrome due to rapid weight loss. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography and an upper gastrointestinal series.His condition improved after parenteral nutrient,strict sugar control, and gradual weight gain.