Objective: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment strategies of superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS), for improving the understanding and reducing misdiagnosis of this disease. Methods: Eleven SMAS patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University during June 1992 to June 2012, who had complete medical records were reviewed. Results: Of the 11 patients, 7 cases were male and 4 cases were female (male:female 1.75:1), with a high incidence from the age of 14 to 25 years (72.7%); Upper abdominal bloating and discomfort were the initial symptoms for medical attention in all cases, and were accompanied by nausea and vomiting in 6 cases (54.5%) and emaciation in 7 cases (63.6%); during the whole upper gastrointestinal radiography, apparent reverse peristalsis of the intestine was observed in 4 cases, typical "pendulum-like movement" occurred one case, and impression of the mesenteric artery over the duodenum was found in 4 cases; CT examination showed the angle between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta was reduced (<22°) in 3 cases; 7 cases received conservative treatment such as intravenous nutrition support, and 4 cases underwent surgical treatment due to failure of conservative treatment, and all recovered after treatment. Eight patients were followed up for 6 to 12 months, and no recurrences or complications were noted. Conclusion: SMAS is relatively rare in clinical practice and easy to be misdiagnosed. Knowledge regarding this disease should be enhanced, and its diagnostic methods and treatment modalities should be standardized.