A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain: Wilkie's Syndrome: Case Report

Abstract

Wilkie’s syndrome is a rare acquired disease that occurs when acute dilatation occurs between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta, compressing the duodenum between these two arteries. A loss of fat pads around the SMA due to reasons such as anorexia nervosa, weight loss, burns, trauma or prolonged bed rest is thought to be involved in the etiology of the disease. While the disease has an acute and chronic form, the chronic form is more common. Initially, conservative medical therapy is recommended for the treatment of Wilkie syndrome. In cases where conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is indicated. In cases of extreme dilation of the stomach and duodenum being observed in the CT of patients presenting with complaints such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, a differential diagnosis of Wilkie’s syndrome must be considered. A 22-year-old female patient was presented to our hospital with the complaints of epigastric pain, abdominal distention and nausea continuing for three days. On general examination, it was determined that her abdomen was distended and her epigastric region was sensitive. The diagnosis and treatment of this patient was examined with considering literature.