The superior mesenteric artery syndrome: an unusual complication in a patient with the Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome
Massa, G.; Casaer, P.; Marchal, G.; Eggermont, E.
Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica 52(5-6): 436-440
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 1784-3227 PMID: 2486013 Document Number: 340716
A 12 year old patient with the Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome and suffering from acute intestinal obstruction during treatment with benztropine is presented. An upright film of the abdomen and opacification of the duodenum showed an abrupt cut off just to the right of the third lumbar vertebra. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated a reduced superior mesenteric-aortic angle and distance. Predisposing factors in this patient were supine position, extreme opisthotonos and duodenal hypotonia induced by benztropine.