The first case of mesenteric vascular occlusion was recorded just over a century ago. The condition has always been regarded as rare, and frequently single cases only are reported. Discussion of the condition, therefore, has usually been based on limited personal experience and an analysis of a series of cases culled from the experience of various surgeons and pathologists. We believe that these cases are by no means uncommon and base our observations on a series of 32 cases of mesenteric vascular occlusion occurring in this hospital during the stay of either one or both of us, i.e., the period January, 1948, to June, 1951. This includes all cases treated surgically and others proved at necropsy in patients treated in the hospital for nonsurgical conditions. Of the 32 cases reported, 14 occurred in patients under treatment in the medical wards for some other condition and not seen at any time