Duodenal atresia

Background

• During weeks 6 and 7 of gestation, the GI tract becomes occluded then recanalizes during weeks 8 to 10
• Duodenal atresia is thought to result from failure of recanalization
• Often associated with other malformations such as biliary atresia or gallbladder agenesis
• May also be associated with cardiac, renal, or vertebral abnormalities
• About a quarter of patients born with duodenal atresia have Downs syndrome

Clinical Features

Presentation is very early in the postnatal period

History

• Abdominal distention and vomiting

Physical Exam

• Dry mucus membranes, poor skin turgor, and sunken fontanelle
• Signs of other congenital anomalies
• The abdomen is often markedly distended with visible or palpable loops of bowel
• Examine perineum and assess for patency of the anus

Differential Diagnosis

• Malrotation with volvulus
• Hirschsprung disease
• Meconium ileus
• Intestinal atresia

Nausea and vomiting (newborn)

Newborn	'
Obstructive intestinal anomalies	Esophageal stenosis/atresia, pyloric stenosis, intestinal stenosis/atresia, malrotation ± volvulus, incarcerated hernia, meconium ileus/plug, Hirschsprung disease, imperforate anus, enteric duplications, duodenal atresia
Neurologic	Intracranial bleed/mass, hydrocephalus, cerebral edema, kernicterus
Renal	Urinary tract infection, obstructive uropathy, renal insufficiency
Infectious	Viral illness, gastroenteritis, meningitis, sepsis
Metabolic/endocrine	Inborn errors of metabolism (urea cycle, amino/organic acid, carbohydrate), congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Miscellaneous	Ileus, gastroesophageal reflux, necrotizing enterocolitis, milk allergy, GI perforation

Evaluation

• Imaging
  • AP, lateral, and cross table XR should be obtained on all infants with concern for obstruction
  • Classic double bubble sign due to dilation of the stomach and proximal duodenum
  • Absent distal gas

Management

• NPO
• NG tube to suction
• Correct fluid and electrolyte abnormalities
• Ampicillin and gentamicin (to prevent post-op infection)
• Surgery

Disposition

• Admission

References

Authors

Kristina Shigyo, Ross Donaldson, Daniel Ostermayer, Neil Young