Wilkie’s Syndrome: A Bizarre Adventure into Abdomen

Abstract

Introduction: Wilkie's Syndrome (also called SMA Syndrome) is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction, characterized by an extrinsic vascular compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the abdominal aorta and overlying superior mesenteric artery, due to loss of cushion of fat.

Case Presentation : We describe the case of a 62yr old female patient who presented with upper abdominal distension and repeated episodes of vomiting who was diagnosed as a case of Wilkie’s syndrome on radiological investigation. Emergency laparotomy with duodenojejunostomy was done.

Conclusion: Wilkie's Syndrome is a rare disorder. Only 500 cases reported worldwide till date. Surgical treatment is the treatment of choice in long standing cases otherwise it may result in fatal complications like advanced malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance, gastric rupture, spontaneous upper GI bleeding or sudden cardiovascular collapse.