Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome and Nutcracker Syndrome as the Presentation of Crohn’s Disease in a Young Patient: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome and nutcracker syndrome are rare vascular complications most often seen after marked weight loss caused by compression of the duodenum and left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta, respectively. The coexistence of superior mesenteric artery syndrome and nutcracker syndrome has been rarely reported. Herein, we present the case of a 16-year-old male with intermittent periumbilical abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, and weight loss who was found to have both of these vascular complications of significant weight loss as the initial presentation of Crohn’s disease. This report provides insight into the diagnosis and treatment of these syndromes while highlighting the importance for practitioners to keep vascular complications on their differential diagnosis of vomiting and abdominal pain in patients with Crohn’s disease.