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

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.

Key words: Wilkie’s syndrome, superior mesenteric artery, abdominal pain