MediAI

  Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) Induced by Tuberculosis-related Cachexia: A Rare Case Study Introduction Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS), a rare and potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by the compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). While congenital or post-surgical anatomical abnormalities are the usual suspects, extreme weight loss—particularly due to cachexia—can trigger this syndrome. In this case study, we explore an unusual presentation of SMAS in a 26-year-old male suffering from severe pulmonary tuberculosis and associated cachexia. Clinical Case Overview A 26-year-old male presented to the emergency department with: Dry cough for 5 months Night sweats Unintentional weight loss of 18 kg Upper abdominal pain and postprandial vomiting His Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated at 11 , placing him in the category of e...