Wilkie´s syndrome

We report the case of a 14 year-old woman, who presents epigastric abdominal pain, abundant vomits and an important abdominal distension. Previously, she presented similar episodes. She has not any significant prior medical history. CT is performed and the imaging findings are consistent with Wilkie´s syndrome. Wilkie´s syndrome is a rare condition, that results from a intestinal obstruction caused by third portion duodenal compression between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. When the angle between both structures diminishes and the distance between the SMA and the aorta decreases (the most diagnostic value), duodenal obstruction occurs. Initially conservative management is adopted, but in some cases surgical treatment is necessary. Multislice CT has demonstrated an excellent diagnostic value when this entity is suspected. It provides multiplanar reconstructions, which are useful to measure the distance and the aortomesenteric angle and to rule out other possible etiologies.