Duodenal Atresia

OVERVIEW

Duodenal atresia refers to the the congenital absence or complete closure of a portion of the lumen of the duodenum

WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Down syndrome

Initial Presentation

  • Bilious vomiting: typically in first 2 days of life.
  • Polyhydraminos on prenatal ultrasound.
CLINICAL WORKUP

X-ray can show a “double bubble” sign that shows air trapped in the stomach and the first portion of the duodenum.

Classic "double bubble" sign seen in an abdominal X-ray of a patient with duodenal atresia (source)
Classic “double bubble” sign seen in an abdominal X-ray of a patient with duodenal atresia (source)
TREATMENT

Holding feeds

Compression with nasogastric tube

Surgical repair 

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 11.23.2016