Chacko, AnithIsmail, FarzanahEllemdin, Shiraz2013-04-252013-04-252013Chacko, A, Ismail, F & Ellemdin, S 2013, 'Agenesis of the dorsal mesentery presenting in an adolescent', Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 16-18.1608-9693 (print)2078-6751 (online)10.7196/SAJR.734http://hdl.handle.net/2263/21372Agenesis 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.3 p.PDFenHealth and Medical Publishing GroupDorsal mesenteryProximal small-bowel obstructionAcute pancreatitisArticle