What type of cast is most commonly associated with causing cast syndrome?

Cast syndrome, also known as superior mesenteric artery syndrome, is a rare but serious condition that can occur when a body cast places pressure on the duodenum and the surrounding structures in the abdomen. This pressure can lead to gastric outlet obstruction, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Body casts, which encase the trunk and may extend to cover parts of the lower extremities, are particularly associated with this syndrome due to their extensive coverage and the significant restriction of movement they impose on the torso. This immobilization can also affect the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, compounding the risk of complications like cast syndrome.

While other types of casts, such as plaster, fiberglass, or short arm casts, can have their own issues, they typically do not cover as large of an area as a body cast does. The confined space created by a body cast makes it more likely to compress surrounding structures, leading to the development of cast syndrome.