[Superior mesenteric artery syndrome].

The superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare complication of spine surgery. A series of four patients who experienced a SMAS after surgery for either post-traumatic quadriplegia, paraplegia or scoliosis is reported. SMAS is a condition in which the third portion of the duodenum is squeezed between the superior mesenteric artery anteriorly, and the aorta and vertebral column posteriorly.