CAST SYNDROME Meaning and
Definition
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Cast syndrome, also known as superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, refers to a rare medical condition that occurs when the third portion of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) becomes compressed by the superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta. This compression happens due to the abnormal angulation between these two structures, leading to a range of potentially concerning symptoms.
The most common cause of Cast syndrome is the application of a body cast, such as for immobilization of a spinal fracture, scoliosis correction, or corrective hip surgery. When a cast is placed, the pressure exerted on the abdomen can sometimes lead to a narrowing of the space between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta. As a result, the duodenum becomes compressed, hindering the passage of food and fluids, and causing gastrointestinal symptoms.
Symptoms of Cast syndrome can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, early satiety, weight loss, and even the presence of blood in vomit or stool in severe cases. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, imaging studies (such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs), and sometimes direct visualization using an endoscope.
Treatment for Cast syndrome can involve a range of approaches depending on the severity of symptoms. Options may include conservative management using dietary modifications, decompression of the duodenum through nasogastric tube insertion, or surgical intervention to relieve the pressure on the duodenum by altering the position of the superior mesenteric artery.
In summary, Cast syndrome is a condition in which the duodenum becomes compressed between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta, often due to the application of a body cast. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial
Common Misspellings for CAST SYNDROME
- xast syndrome
- vast syndrome
- fast syndrome
- dast syndrome
- czst syndrome
- csst syndrome
- cwst syndrome
- cqst syndrome
- caat syndrome
- cazt syndrome
- caxt syndrome
- cadt syndrome
- caet syndrome
- cawt syndrome
- casr syndrome
- casf syndrome
- casg syndrome
- casy syndrome
- cas6 syndrome
- cas5 syndrome
Etymology of CAST SYNDROME
The term "Cast Syndrome" is derived from the combination of the word "cast" and "syndrome".
The word "cast" refers to a rigid external immobilizing device applied to support and protect fractured or injured bones. It comes from the Old Norse word "kasta" which means "to throw" or "to cast", and is related to the Latin word "castus" meaning "pure" or "chaste".
The term "syndrome" comes from the Greek words "syn", meaning "together", and "dramein", meaning "to run". It originally referred to a set of symptoms occurring together and was used to describe a group of medical signs and symptoms that occur simultaneously and characterize a particular abnormality or condition.
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