[The superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Apropos of a case and review of the literature].

During laparotomy for an appendicular peritonitis, the authors found an acute mesenteric artery syndrome. Conservative treatment consisted of mobilisation of the 4th part of the duodenum with section of the suspensory muscle of Treitz, but this was not sufficient to cure the patient. Two weeks later the patient completely recovered after a duodenojejunal anastomosis. A review of the literature confirmed that surgical treatment for scoliosis and anorexia nervosa play an important role in the aetiology of this disease.