Agenesis of the dorsal mesentery without jejunoilial atresia ("apple peel small bowel").

ABSTRACT

Agenesis of the dorsal mesentery with apple peel or Christmas tree deformity but without small-bowel atresia can occur beyond the neonatal period. The recognition of this entity is imperative as it is also associated with a marginal artery which may be the only blood supply to the majority of small bowel. Preservation of this vessel is necessary to avoid catastrophic bowel death.