The superior mesenteric artery syndrome and acute gastric dilatation in eating disorders: a report of two cases and a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology and symptomatology of the superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMA syndrome) is discussed.

METHOD: A review of much of the available literature concerning the SMA syndrome and the associated condition acute gastric dilatation is offered.

RESULTS: Two new cases of acute gastric dilatation in patients with eating disorders, one of whom was diagnosed with SMA syndrome, are presented, along with a discussion of these conditions in reference to the eating disorders.

CONCLUSION: The SMA syndrome and gastric dilatation are rare but potentially a very serious complication of eating disorders, and clinicians who work with these patients should be aware of such problems.