Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in an HIV positive patient

A 27 year old HIV positive man with a CD4+ lymphocyte count of 26 cells ×106/l presented with a 2 week history of progressive left sided weakness, vomiting, and weight loss. A computed tomograph (CT) brain scan demonstrated ring lesions bilaterally in the basal ganglia. Toxoplasma serology was positive at a titre of 1:256 and treatment for cerebral toxoplasmosis commenced. His weakness responded to therapy but vomiting continued despite antiemetics. An ultrasound scan demonstrated an enlarged, dilated stomach, dilated first and second parts of the duodenum, and an obstruction at the level of the third. Barium studies confirmed these findings but also demonstrated prominent peristalsis in the second part of the duodenum and an abrupt cessation of flow to barium in the middle of the third (fig 1). Some flow of barium …