Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: Could it Involve a Potential Familial Pattern?

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome often presents with small bowel obstruction due to acute angulation of the SMA, thereby compressing the duodenum. This syndrome is a rare, sporadic disease, which is often caused by rapid weight loss. However, there may be a genetic predisposition to SMA syndrome, due to a congenitally shortened ligament of Treitz or a more distal origination of the SMA on the abdominal aorta.