Agenesis of the dorsal mesentery presenting in an adolescent

Abstract

Agenesis of the dorsal mesentery is a rare occurrence that usually presents in children. It is associated with proximal small bowel malrotation as well as high jejunal atresia with discontinuity of the small bowel. We present a case report of an adolescent presenting with clinical features of proximal small bowel obstruction (confirmed on imaging) as well as acute pancreatitis. At laparotomy, he was found to have no dorsal mesentery, without small bowel atresia, and the duodenum was fixed to the posterior abdominal wall. The patient recovered well and remained symptom-free.

Keywords

• Absent dorsal mesentery
• Small bowel malrotation and volvulus
• Imaging small bowel malrotation
• Pancreatitis