Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a 26-year-old male presenting as acute pancreatitis and portal venous gas: a case report and review of the literature

This case demonstrates that the presence of portal venous gas and gastric emphysema in superior mesenteric artery syndrome, which typically raises suspicion for gastrointestinal necrosis, can be successfully managed conservatively if clinical signs of perforation or sepsis are absent. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for the complex presentations of superior mesenteric artery syndrome and prioritize aggressive nonoperative nutritional support, as it can resolve obstruction and preclude the need for surgery even in the setting of severe multi-systemic complications.