The Syndrome of Mesenteric Vascular Compression of the Duodenum

Abstract

It is only rarely today that we encounter a new entity. As a matter of fact, many so-called new ones are split off from an old classification and given a position of dignity. At times a disease has to be rediscovered and brought to the attention of the profession, or because of bad associations an entity may be cast aside and no longer considered in differential diagnosis. This we think is the sequence of events and the history of the anatomical entity we are about to discuss, i.e., "superior mesenteric vascular compression of the duodenum." In 1861 it was recognized and described by Rokitansky, who at that time suggested that compression of the duodenum by the superior mesenteric vessels might be responsible for dilatation and stasis within the duodenum.¹In 1891 Kundrat described cases of persistent incomplete obstruction which he attributed to compression by the root of the mesentery.