Idiopathic sclerosing mesenteritis presenting with small bowel volvulus in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare disorder involving inflammation of the mesentery.Its etiology remains unclear,but it is believed to be associated with previous abdominal surgery,trauma,autoimmune disorders,infection,or malignancy.Clinical manifestations of sclerosing mesenteritis are varied and include chronic abdominal pain,bloating,diarrhea,weight loss,formation of an intra-abdominal mass,bowel obstruction,and chylous ascites.Here,we present a case of idiopathic sclerosing mesenteritis with small bowel volvulus in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old female presented with recurrent small bowel obstruction.Imaging and pathological findings were consistent with sclerosing mesenteritis causing mesenteric and small bowel volvulus.Computed tomography scans also revealed pulmonary embolism,and the patient was started on a high dose of corticosteroid and a therapeutic dose of anticoagulants.The patient subsequently improved clinically and was discharged.The patient was also diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome after a hematological workup.CONCLUSION Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare condition,and patients with no clear etiology should be considered for treatment with immunosuppressive therapy.

Treatment options for spontaneous and postoperative sclerosing mesenteritis

Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare pathology with only a few described cases in the literature. The etiology is unclear; however, several potential triggers, including abdominal surgery and abdominal trauma, have been discussed. The pathology includes a benign acute or chronic inflammatory process affecting the adipose tissue of the mesenterium. Despite it being a rare disease, sclerosing mesenteritis is an important differential diagnosis in patients after abdominal surgery or patients presenting spontaneously with signs of acute inflammation and abdominal pain. We present here three cases with sclerosing mesenteritis. In two cases, sclerosing mesenteritis occurred postoperatively after abdominal surgery. One patient was treated because of abdominal pain and specific radiological signs revealing spontaneous manifestation of sclerosing mesenteritis. So far there are no distinct treatment algorithms, so the patients were treated differently, including steroids, antibiotics and watchful waiting. In addition, we reviewed the current literature on treatment options for this rare disease.

Rare case of sclerosing mesenteritis and low grade follicular lymphoma

An unusual case of long standing sclerosing mesenteritis;initially presented with recurrent abdominal pain and a mesenteric mass with surrounding fat oedema and stranding with a pseudocapsule and fat ring sign were clearly visualised on the initial computed tomography scan.Laparotomy showed diffuse thickening at the root of the mesentery and histology from this specimen revealed fat necrosis and reactive lymphoid tissue consistent with sclerosing mesenteritis.Initial treatment with steroids and tamoxifen relieved the symptoms and the mass.He was maintained on tamoxifen.Three years later he developed a recurrence of his symptoms and abdominal mass that responded to a course of steroids.Two years following this,he developed a follicular Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Mesenteric adipose tissue B lymphocytes promote intestinal injury in severe acute pancreatitis by mediating enteric pyroptosis

Background:Visceral adipose tissue(VAT)has been linked to the severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)prognosis,although the underlying mechanism remains unclear.It has been reported that pyroptosis worsens SAP.The present study aimed to verify whether mesenteric adipose tissue(MAT,a component of VAT)can cause secondary intestinal injury through the pyroptotic pathway.Methods:Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were divided into six different groups.Twelve rats were randomly divided into the SAP and control groups.We monitored the changes of MAT and B lymphocytes infiltration in MAT of SAP rats.Twelve SAP rats were injected with MAT B lymphocytes or phosphate buffer solution(PBS).The remaining twelve SAP rats were first injected with MAT B lymphocytes,and then with MCC950(NLRP3 inhibitor)or PBS.We collected blood and tissue samples from pancreas,gut and MAT for analysis.Results:Compared to the control rats,the SAP group showed inflammation in MAT,including higher expression of tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6),lower expression of IL-10,and histological changes.Flow cytometry analysis revealed B lymphocytes infiltration in MAT but not T lymphocytes and macrophages.The SAP rats also exhibited intestinal injury,characterized by lower expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin,higher levels of lipopolysaccharide and diamine oxidase,and pathological changes.The expression of NLRP3 and n-GSDMD,which are responsible for pyroptosis,was increased in the intestine of SAP rats.The injection of MAT B lymphocytes into SAP rats exacerbated the inflammation in MAT.The upregulation of pyroptosis reduced tight junction in the intestine,which contributed to the SAP progression,including higher inflammatory indicators and worse histological changes.The administration of MCC950 to SAP+MAT B rats downregulated pyroptosis,which subsequently improved the intestinal barrier and ameliorated inflammatory response of SAP.Conclusions:In SAP,MAT B lymphocytes aggravated local inflammation,and promoted the injury to the intestine through the enteric pyroptotic pathway.

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.

Rupture of a giant jejunal mesenteric cystic lymphangioma misdiagnosed as ovarian torsion: A case report

BACKGROUND Cystic lymphangioma is a rare benign tumor that affects the lymphatic system.Mesenteric lymphangiomas in the small bowel are extremely uncommon.CASE SUMMARY We present a 21-year-old female patient who complained of abdominal pain.The diagnosis of ovarian torsion was suspected after abdominopelvic unenhanced computed tomography and ultrasound revealed a large cyst in contact with the bladder,ovary,and uterus.The patient underwent emergency laparotomy per-formed by gynecologists,but it was discovered that the cystic tumor originated from the jejunum.Gastrointestinal surgeons were then called in to perform a cystectomy.Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma of the mesentery.The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery.CONCLUSION Mesenteric lymphangiomas can cause abdominal pain,and imaging techniques can help determine their characteristics,location,and size.Complete surgical excision and pathological examination are considered the standard treatment and diagnostic method.

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis missed by a radiologist at initial diagnosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis(IMP)is a rare type of ischemic colitis characterized by thickening of the wall of the right hemicolon and calcification,sclerosis,and fibrosis of mesenteric veins.The diagnosis of IMP is based on typical clinical features and imaging findings.We report a case of IMP that was initially missed by the radiologist.CASE SUMMARY A 77-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital due to chronic diarrhea for over 2 months.She had been consuming Chinese patent medicines(CPM)containing fructus gardeniae for more than 15 years.Colonoscopy revealed an edematous mucosa,bluish-purple discoloration,erosions,and ulcerations throughout the colorectal area.Abdominal computed tomography(CT)showed diffuse mural thickening of the entire colorectum,with tortuous thread-like calcifications in the right hemicolon,left hemicolon,and rectum.Most of the calcifications were located in the mesenteric vein.The diagnosis of IMP was established based on medical history,colonoscopy,CT findings,and histopathological examination.The patient was treated conservatively with papaverine and rifaximin,and CPM was stopped.Her diarrhea symptoms improved,indicating the effectiveness of the treatment.Over the next several years,she took opium alkaloids for an extended period and did not require hospitalization for the aforementioned gastrointestinal disorder.CONCLUSION IMP is a rare gastrointestinal disease affecting Asian populations,possibly related to long-term herbal medicine intake.Accurate imaging analysis is crucial for diagnosis,but insufficient understanding of the disease can lead to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.Treatment strategies should be personalized.

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.

Should we perform decompressive laparotomy during severe acute pancreatitis with intra-abdominal hypertension below 25 mmHg:Only the gut knows

We suggest that during severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)with intra-abdominal hypertension,practitioners should consider decompressive laparotomy,even with intra-abdominal pressure(IAP)below 25 mmHg.Indeed,in this setting,non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia(NOMI)may occur even with IAP below this cutoff and lead to transmural necrosis if abdominal perfusion pressure is not promptly restored.We report our experience of 18 critically ill patients with SAP having undergone decompressive laparotomy of which one third had NOMI while IAP was mostly below 25 mmHg.

Multidetector computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of double superior mesenteric veins:A case report

BACKGROUND This study aimed to describe the findings of double superior mesenteric veins(SMVs),a rare anatomical variation,on multidetector computer tomography(MDCT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)images.CASE SUMMARY We describe the case of a 34-year-old male,who underwent both MDC and MRI examinations of the upper abdomen because of liver cirrhosis.MDCT and MRI angiography images of the upper abdomen revealed an anatomic variation of the superior mesenteric vein(SMV),the double SMVs.CONCLUSION The double SMVs are a congenital abnormality without potential clinical manifestation.Physicians need to be aware of this anatomical variation during abdominal surgery to avoid iatrogenic injury.

Current concepts in the management of non-cirrhotic non-malignant portal vein thrombosis

Non-cirrhotic non-malignant portal vein thrombosis(NCPVT)is an uncommon condition characterised by thrombosis of the portal vein,with or without extension into other mesenteric veins,in the absence of cirrhosis or intra-abdominal malignancy.Complications can include intestinal infarction,variceal bleeding and portal biliopathy.In this article,we address current concepts in the management of NCPVT including identification of risk factors,classification and treatment,and review the latest evidence on medical and interventional management options.

Pre-operative visceral adipose tissue radiodensity is a potentially novel prognostic biomarker for early endoscopic post-operative recurrence in Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND Evidence suggests inflammatory mesenteric fat is involved in post-operative recurrence(POR)of Crohn’s disease(CD).However,its prognostic value is INTRODUCTION Crohn’s disease(CD)is a debilitating chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease(IMID)of the gastrointestinal tract that is increasing in incidence and prevalence globally[1].CD patients often undergo surgery for disease-related complic-ations and/or medically refractory disease.Unfortunately,surgery is not curative,and many patients develop post-operative recurrence(POR)of CD with a significant proportion eventually requiring additional surgeries.With advances in early detection and therapeutics,the contemporary 10-year risk of surgery has improved from 50%to 26%,but the risk of recurrent surgery has remained unchanged at 30%,suggesting a need to improve post-operative management strategies[2].Presently,there are two accepted strategies to mitigate POR,but each have potential limitations.Firstly,patients start early post-operative pharmacologic prophylaxis within 4-6 wk after surgery.This strategy can potentially overtreat a subset of patient who may not develop long-term disease recurrence off therapy.Consequently,these patients are at risk of medication-related adverse events and the direct and indirect costs associated with therapy with little or no benefit[3].The second strategy is performing early colonoscopy within 6-12 months after surgery and escalating therapy based on FOOTNOTES Author contributions:Gu P is the guarantor of the article and was involved in concept and design,data collection,statistical analysis,drafting of manuscript,and final approval of manuscript;Dube S and Choi SY were involved in statistical analysis,drafting of the manuscript,and final approval of manuscript;Gellada N,Win S,Lee YJ and Yang S were involved in the data collection,drafting of the manuscript,and final approval of manuscript;Haritunians T and Li D were involved in data analysis and interpretation,drafting of manuscript and final approval of manuscript;Melmed GY,Yarur AJ,Fleshner P,Kallman C and Devkota S were involved in study concept and design,data interpretation,drafting of manuscript and final approval of manuscript;Vasiliauskas EA,Bonthala N,Syal G,Ziring D and Targan SR were involved in data interpretation,drafting of manuscript and final approval of manuscript;Rabizadeh S was involved in study concept and design,drafting of manuscript and final approval of manuscript;McGovern DPB was involved in concept and design,statistical analysis,drafting of manuscript and final approval of manuscript.

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.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy with portal or superior mesenteric vein resection and reconstruction for pancreatic cancer:A single-center experience

Background: Open pancreaticoduodenectomy(OPD) with portal or superior mesenteric vein resection and reconstruction has been applied in pancreatic cancer patients with tumor infiltration or adherence. However, it is controversial whether laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD) with major vascular resection and reconstruction is feasible. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of LPD with major vascular resection compared with OPD with major vascular resection. Methods: We reviewed data for all pancreatic cancer patients undergoing LPD or OPD with vascular resection at Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, between February 2018 and May 2022. We compared the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinicopathological data of the two groups to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of LPD with major vascular resection. Results: A total of 63 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) with portal or superior mesenteric vein resection and reconstruction, including 25 LPDs and 38 OPDs. The LPD group had less intraoperative blood loss(200 vs. 400 m L, P < 0.001), lower proportion of intraoperative blood transfusion(16.0% vs. 39.5%, P = 0.047), longer operation time(390 vs. 334 min, P = 0.004) and shorter postoperative hospital stay(11 vs. 14 days, P = 0.005). There was no perioperative death in all patients. There was no significant difference in the incidence of total postoperative complications, grade B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying and abdominal infection between the two groups. No postpancreatectomy hemorrhage nor bile leakage occurred during perioperative period. There was no significant difference in R0 resection rate and number of lymph nodes harvested between the two groups. Patency of reconstructed vessels in the two groups were 96.0% and 92.1%, respectively( P = 0.927). Conclusions: LPD with portal or superior mesenteric vein resection and reconstruction was safe, feasible and oncologically acceptable for selected patients with pancreatic cancer, and it can achieve similar or even better perioperative results compared to open approach.

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.

Ligamentum teres hepatis as a graft for portal and/or superior mesenteric vein reconstruction:From bench to bedside

BACKGROUND Pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with portal vein(PV)and/or superior mesenteric vein(SMV)resection in patients with pancreaticobiliary malignancy has become a common surgical procedure.There are various grafts currently used for PV and/or SMV reconstruction,but each of these grafts have certain limitations.Therefore,it is necessary to explore novel grafts that have an extensive resource pool,are low cost with good clinical application,and are without immune response rejection or additional damage to patients.AIM To observe the anatomical and histological characteristics of the ligamentum teres hepatis(LTH)and evaluate PV/SMV reconstruction using an autologous LTH graft in pancreaticobiliary malignancy patients.METHODS In 107 patients,the post-dilated length and diameter in resected LTH specimens were measured.The general structure of the LTH specimens was observed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Collagen fibers(CFs),elastic fibers(EFs),and smooth muscle(SM)were visualized by Verhoeff-Van Gieson staining,and the expression of CD34,factor VIII-related antigen(FVIIIAg),endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS),and tissue type plasminogen activator(t-PA)were detected using immunohistochemistry in LTH and PV(control)endothelial cells.PV and/or SMV reconstruction using the autologous LTH was conducted in 26 patients with pancreaticobiliary malignancies,and the outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS The post-dilated length of LTH was 9.67±1.43 cm,and the diameter at a pressure of 30 cm H2O was 12.82±1.32 mm at the cranial end and 7.06±1.88 mm at the caudal end.Residual cavities with smooth tunica intima covered by endothelial cells were found in HE-stained LTH specimens.The relative amounts of EFs,CFs and SM in the LTH were similar to those in the PV[EF(%):11.23±3.40 vs 11.57±2.80,P=0.62;CF(%):33.51±7.71 vs 32.11±4.82,P=0.33;SM(%):15.61±5.26 vs 16.74±4.83,P=0.32].CD34,FVIIIAg,eNOS,and t-PA were expressed in both LTH and PV endothelial cells.The PV and/or SMV reconstructions were successfully completed in all patients.The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 38.46%and 7.69%,respectively.There were no graft-related complications.The postoperative vein stenosis rates at 2 wk,1 mo,3 mo and 1 year were 7.69%,11.54%,15.38%and 19.23%,respectively.In all 5 patients affected,the degree of vascular stenosis was less than half of the reconstructed vein lumen diameter(mild stenosis),and the vessels remained patent.CONCLUSION The anatomical and histological characteristics of LTH were similar to the PV and SMV.As such,the LTH can be used as an autologous graft for PV and/or SMV reconstruction in pancreaticobiliary malignancy patients who require PV and/or SMV resection.

Acute flare of systemic lupus erythematosus with extensive gastrointestinal involvement: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Lupus mesenteric vasculitis(LMV)is a serious condition that may occur as an acute manifestation of gastrointestinal(GI)involvement and is not easily diagnosed by physicians.Delayed diagnosis and treatment of LMV may lead to rapid disease progression and can be life threatening.CASE SUMMARY A previously healthy 27-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain following a history of fatigue and consumption of cold water.Laboratory invest-igations,physical examinations,and enhanced abdominal computed tomography(CT)suggested systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by LMV.She received treatments,such as GI decompression,somatostatin,glucocorticoids,and immu-nosuppressants,and was evaluated using color ultrasonography.Twenty days later,the patient reported no stomach discomfort and was able to consume semi-liquid food.Laboratory investigations showed that inflammatory factors decreased to normal levels and complement levels increased slightly.One year after discharged,she recovered with methylprednisolone being tapered to 4 mg per day,mycophenolate mofetil to 0.75 g bid,and hydroxychloroquine to 0.2 g bid;however,only C3 complement level was slightly below the normal level.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis of LMV is essential for successful treatment;this depends on a combination of clinical manifestations,laboratory investigations,and imaging findings.Enhanced CT is preferred,but ultrasonography can be used for prompt screening and follow-up.

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.