Health Encyclopedia

Duodenal atresia

Definition

Duodenal atresia is a condition in which the duodenum (the first part of the small bowel) has not developed properly. It is not open and cannot allow the passage of stomach contents.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of duodenal atresia is unknown, but it is thought to result from problems during an embryo's development in which the duodenum does not normally change from a solid to a tube-like structure.

Duodenal atresia is seen in more than 1 in 10,000 live births. Approximately 20-30% of infants with duodenal atresia have Down syndrome. Duodenal atresia is often associated with other birth defects.

Symptoms

Upper abdominal swelling may or may not be present
Early vomiting of large amounts, which may be greenish (containing bile)
Continued vomiting even when infant has not been fed for several hours
Absent urination after first few voidings
Absent bowel movements after first few meconium stools

Signs and tests

A fetal ultrasound may show polyhydramnios (excessive amounts of amniotic fluid in the uterus) or swelling of the stomach and part of the duodenum.

An abdominal x-ray may show air in the stomach and first part of duodenum, with no air beyond that.

Treatment

A tube is placed to decompress the stomach. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities are corrected by providing fluids through an intravenous tube. An evaluation for other congenital anomalies should be performed.

Surgery to correct the duodenal blockage is necessary, but is not an emergency. The surgical approach will depend on the nature of the abnormality. Associated problems (such as those related to Down syndrome) must be treated as appropriate.

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery from the duodenal atresia is expected after treatment. Untreated, the condition is deadly.

Complications

Other birth defects
Dehydration

After surgery, there may be late complications such as duodenal swelling (megaduodenum), intestinal motility problems, or gastroesophageal reflux.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your newborn is feeding poorly or not at all, vomiting (not simply spitting up), not urinating or stooling, or if the vomit is green.

Prevention

There is no known prevention.

Review Date:8/7/2007
Reviewed By:Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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