Duodenal atresia is a condition commonly identified in new born infants as it a congenital disorder. The typical presentation is bilious vomiting within the first hour of birth. As soon as the baby takes the first few feeds, there is visible distention of the stomach and as there is duodenal atresia (complete or partial) the food regurgitates back into the stomach and the esophagus causing bilious vomiting.

During pregnancy, prenatal tests may be conducted to help confirm the defect. The mother is likely to have had polyhydramnios during pregnancy as a fetus with duodenal atresia cannot swallow the amniotic fluid.

As vomiting is a recurring complaint, the neonate will usually suffer from dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The stomach appears scaphoid in all cases of duodenal atresia. As a rule, one must conclude bilious vomiting in an infant as a case of proximal gastrointestinal obstruction until proven otherwise. If at all an orogastric tube is introduced into the stomach, it typically will yield significant quantity of bilious fluid as 85% defects occur below the ampulla of Vater.

Certain complications like hypokalemia, dehydration and other electrolyte imbalances due to recurrent vomiting may be seen at presentation.

• Trisomy 21

  Trisomy 21 occurs in approximately one-thirds of infants with duodenal atresia. Congenital heart disease in patients with trisomy 21 and duodenal atresia is well known. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  In addition, duodenal atresia or duodenal stenosis is most commonly associated with trisomy 21 (see the following image), with about 22-30% of patients with duodenal obstruction having trisomy 21. [3] Anteroposterior radiograph of the abdomen depicts [emedicine.com]

  Part of trisomy 21: 1%. [fetalmedicine.org]

• Swelling

  It may also show swelling of the baby's 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. This is known as the double-bubble sign. [nlm.nih.gov]

  The child is doing well at 1-year follow-up with no swelling or recurrence on the operated side. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  After birth A baby born with duodenal atresia may have a stomach area that appears to be normal, or they may have symptoms such as: Stomach area swelling Early vomiting that is often green Continued vomiting even when the infant has not been fed Little [childrensmercy.org]

• Weight Gain

  The patient has been free from symptoms with excellent weight gain in the follow-up period of 20 months. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  gain, x-ray Duodenal atresia–11 sec Tx–57 sec Long-term complications–1:55 J Pediatr Surg 2004 Pancreatic anomalies–4:31 Q&A session–7:38 [sages.org]

  Your baby will need to stay in the NICU for several weeks after surgery, until he/she is eating well and showing adequate weight gain. [fetaltonewborn.org]

  In addition, Adam is gaining weight better than was anticipated. [share.marchofdimes.org]

  When to call the doctor Frequent or constant vomiting, unsuccessful feeding, and poor weight gain should be reported to the pediatrician as soon as noted. [healthofchildren.com]

• Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction

  References Reyes HM, Meller JL, Loeff D (1989) Neonatal intestinal obstruction. [hsd-fmsb.org]

  Surgical treatment for congenital duodenal obstruction. J Med Assoc Thai. 2001;84:842-49. Inasir GA, Rahma S, Kadim AH. Neonatal intestinal obstruction. East Mediterr Health J. 2000;6:187-93. Lawrence MJ, Ford WD, Furness ME, et al. [rarediseases.org]

  Abhishek Chinya Department of Paediatric Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi - 110 002 India Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None DOI: 10.4103/2394-7438.150061 Intestinal atresia is a common cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction [mamcjms.in]

  Our Neonatal Surgical Team can also perform surgery in the N/IICU, reducing risk of transport for high-risk neonates such as those with intestinal atresia. [chop.edu]

  Duodenal atresia, midgut malrotation and volvulus, jejunoileal atresia, meconium ileus and necrotizing enterocolitis are the most common causes of neonatal intestinal obstruction. [aafp.org]

• Aspiration

  Measurement of gastric aspiration. Normally, it should not exceed 5 ml. Duodenal atresia is suspected when an infant’s gastric aspiration is greater than 30 ml. [lecturio.com]

  Aspiration via a nasogastric (NG) tube of more than 20 mL of gastric contents in a newborn suggests intestinal obstruction, as normal aspirate is less than 5 mL. 41 For patients with stenosis, the diagnosis is often delayed until the neonate has started [clinicalgate.com]

  High prefeed aspirate and leak from the abdominal esophagostomy was noticed, which prompted us to go for the dye study. [jcnonweb.com]

  A nasogastric tube is passed and 40–50 ml bilious fluid aspirated. Xrays abdomen erect film showed a double bubble sign. Provisional diagnosis of duodenal atresia made and patient was optimized for surgery 1, 2. [casesjournal.biomedcentral.com]

  Although an upper GI series provides definitive diagnosis, it must be done carefully by a radiologist experienced with doing this procedure on children to avoid aspiration and is not typically necessary if surgery is to be done immediately. [merckmanuals.com]

• Vomiting

  Symptoms of duodenal atresia include: Upper abdominal swelling (sometimes) Early vomiting of large amounts, which may be greenish (containing bile ) Continued vomiting even when infant has not been fed for several hours No urination after first few voidings [nlm.nih.gov]

  If the defect is located proximal to the major duodenal papilla, nonbilious vomiting occurs, whereas a defect occurring distal to the papilla causes bilious vomiting. [amboss.com]

  The typical presentation is bilious vomiting within the first hour of birth. [symptoma.com]

  Surgery Preoperative preparation Placement of tube (orogastric or nasogastric) in stomach to remove the fluid in the obstructed stomach and duodenum.The tube decreases the risk of vomiting and aspiration (vomit fluid gets in the lungs). [eapsa.org]

  The atretic segment is usually just distal to the ampulla of Vater 1 and the child has bilious vomiting. If the atresia is proximal to the ampulla, the vomiting is non-bilious. [radiopaedia.org]

• Bilious Vomiting

  One always must consider duodenal atresia with an anomalous biliary system as a possible cause of bilious vomiting with a high grade proximal bowel obstruction in a neonate. J Pediatr Surg 36:956-957. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  If the defect is located proximal to the major duodenal papilla, nonbilious vomiting occurs, whereas a defect occurring distal to the papilla causes bilious vomiting. [amboss.com]

  The typical presentation is bilious vomiting within the first hour of birth. [symptoma.com]

  […] bowel distal to the obstruction No oral or rectal contrast is usually needed to diagnose duodenal atresia Double bubble may also be seen on prenatal ultrasounds Differential Diagnosis Malrotation with Ladd’s bands Bilious vomiting within 24 hours of [learningradiology.com]

• Abdominal Distension

  The patients have minimal abdominal distension due to the high level of obstruction. Jaundice may be seen when the duodenal atresia is at the level of the ampulla of Vater. [virtualpediatrichospital.org]

  distension (postpartum) Diagnosis : abdominal x-ray shows a triple bubble sign and gasless colon Treatment : surgical correction with bypass of the occluded part of bowel is always required The differential diagnoses listed here are not exhaustive. [amboss.com]

  On physical examination found abdominal distension. Investigations at the prenatal period by using prenatal ultrasonography. Investigations that postnatal use a x-ray. X-ray examination of the first by the plain abdominal x-ray. [id.portalgaruda.org]

  Patients present in early life with duodenal obstruction and associated symptoms of abdominal distension, vomiting and absent bowel movements. [radiopaedia.org]

  After birth, duodenal atresia may cause abdominal distension, especially of the upper abdomen. [en.wikipedia.org]

• Failure to Thrive

  Less severe obstructions may manifest several months, or even several years, after birth with bilious vomiting without abdominal distention (major sign); however, failure to thrive may be the only presentation. [orpha.net]

  The illness may not show any symptoms for months or even years and usually manifests with long-lasting vomiting, constipation, food aspiration and failure to thrive. The constipation is unresponsive to treatment. [lecturio.com]

• Intestinal Disease

  BACKGROUND: Duodenal atresia (DA) is a well-known neonatal intestinal disease. Even after surgery, the proximal segment can continue to be severely dilated with hypoperistalsis, resulting in intestinal dysmotility problems in later life. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Ulcer

  Umbilical cord ulceration complicated by massive local hemorrhage may be a lethal event in the fetus, and this ulceration has been reported to be associated with upper intestinal atresia. The diagnosis of umbilical cord bleeding is difficult. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Managing Adults with Congenital Surgical Anomalies held during the 2017 SAGES Annual Meeting in Houston, TX on Saturday, March 25, 2017 Keyword(s): adolescence, adult, age, ampulla, anastomosis, anastomotic strictures, bilious emesis, bleeding ulcers, [sages.org]

• Prolapse

  Polyhydramnios increases the risk for cord prolapse, placental abruption, and preterm delivery. [statpearls.com]

  In addition, Polyhydramnios increases the risk of cord prolapse, placental abruption, and preterm delivery. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Neck Mass

  Other anomalies causing polyhydramnios include esophageal atresia, head and neck masses, thoracic masses, and supratentorial disorders that disrupt swallowing. [statpearls.com]

• Suggestibility

  Occasionally, barium enema examination is suggested as an adjunct study in the evaluation of duodenal atresia (see the image below). [emedicine.com]

  The diagnosis can often be suggested by prenatal ultrasound (US). [clinicalgate.com]

  In the first family, an association with Fanconi's anemia was observed in three of seven pregnancies (2 boys, 1 girl) suggesting an autosomal recessive mode of transmission. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Polyuria

  Gestational diabetes can cause fetal hyperglycemia and fetal polyuria. Fetal causes include congenital anomalies that interfere with swallowing and intestinal obstruction including duodenal atresia. [statpearls.com]

  Gestational diabetes can cause fetal hyperglycemia and fetal polyuria. Fetal causes include congenital anomalies that interfere with swallowing and intestinal obstruction, including duodenal atresia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Confusion

  Cystic dilatation of the second part of the duodenum was observed at laparotomy in two patients and in one of these the "cyst" was palpable preoperatively, causing diagnostic confusion. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  However, its 2D reconstruction may allow for further evaluation of bowel layout in confusing cases. [statpearls.com]

  As i'm sure you know the feeling, we are very nervous and confused. we have never heard of this and now the doctors are telling us all the percentages of the baby having Downs Syndrome and other complications. [medhelp.org]

  […] classic diagnostic study for jejunoileal atresia, but it is not necessarily required today for diagnosis, because the results of the barium enema may appear normal in patients whose mesenteric vascular accident occurred shortly before birth, thereby confusing [aafp.org]

Investigations are many ranging from prenatal to postnatal. If there are abnormalities of the amniotic fluid quantity noticed in the mother during ante-natal checkups, complete prenatal tests and repeated scans should be done to pin point the defect.

Electrolytes need to be investigated as due to recurrent vomiting, hypokalemia and hypochloremia are common.

Urinalysis should be done to assess fluid status by checking specific gravity of urine.

On prenatal diagnosis, in a case of duodenal atresia, there is excess of amniotic fluid called as polyhydramnios which can be identified by ultrasonography. With use of modern ultrasound machines, numerous affected infants can be identified in utero itself. A large study of 11 countries from Europs found that 52% infants with congenital duodenal obstruction (atresia and stenosis) were identified using ultrasound in utero [3].

On X-rays of the abdomen, there is a ‘double bubble sign’ visible. This is diagnostic of duodenal atresia. The first air bubble producing a dark shadow on the X-ray is the distended abdomen followed by pyloric stenosis and the presence of the second air bubble signifies the first portion of the duodenum.

Absence of gas in the remaining portion of the duodenum suggests atresia of the duodenum. Upper gastrointestinal contrast studies are unnecessary and should be avoided. Cardiac and renal ultrasound analysis might be warranted for ruling out life-threatening congenital anomalies prior to surgical repair.

Lastly, genetic studies should be conducted to evaluate the status of Down’s syndrome as the two are frequently seen together. Trisomy 21 should be ruled out in each case of duodenal atresia.

Treatment consists of surgical repair consisting of duodeno-duodenostomy as there is no medication which can repair the defect. This pediatric surgery can be done laparoscopically or by the regular incision on the right upper quadrant of the abdomen [4].

A retrospective study which analysed the outcomes of 14 patients who underwent open incisions and 15 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery found no anastomotic leakage in either case, the only difference being seen in quicker feeding, recovery and discharge from hospital in the laparoscopically operated group [5].

Prior to surgery, all the electrolytes should be investigated and deficits must be corrected. Hypokalemia is a very common complication seen due to recurrent vomiting. Stability of the electrolytes and fluid balance is a must to be achieved preoperatively. Once it is established that the infant is stable then the operation can be continued.

Complications of the operation may be peptic ulcer, duodeno-gastric reflux, esophagitis, blind loop syndrome, pancreatitis and cholecystitis.

Advanced neonatal care has made it possible for an excellent prognosis of the infants post operation. There are very rare incidences of mortality in infants of duodenal atresia these days and most often there is an association of cardiac defects or other deformities causing death of the infant.

By itself, duodenal atresia has very good prognosis. This improvement is due to the improved neonatal care, nutritional supplement, advanced pediatric anesthesia and improved pediatric surgeries.

Patient must keep going for follow ups and regular check ups annually. There are no long term complications and the children grow normally thereafter like other children.

The exact etiology of duodenal atresia is not yet known. It is considered to be a result of malformations arising during the early development of the embryo. It may be associated with other congenital anomalies hence, suggesting that it is a developmental defect.

There are no predisposing risk factors noticed for this condition. The atresia can have many forms but the regardless of the severity of the atresia, the proximal dupdenal segment is always dilated and ends blindly while the distal duodenal segments is empty and ends blindly too [2].

Duodenal atresia is found to be prevalent in 1 out of every 2500 to 1 in 40,000 live births and it is not a familial condition. Around 20 to 40% of all children with duodenal atresia will have Down’s syndrome but only in about 8% of children with Down’s syndrome do we witness duodenal atresia as an associated condition [1].

The condition seems to be equally prevalent in neonates of both the sexes with no predilection for any particular race.

During the formation of a normal duodenum two processes take place one after another. First is endodermal proliferation and second is recanalization of the solid cord. In the process of malformation of the duodenum, there could be two possibilities leading to the atresia; either insufficient endodermal proliferation or failure to recanalize. The proliferation of the cells takes place during the first to second month of gestation.

Once the proliferation is complete, the recanalization takes place by the method of apoptosis of the cells present within the lumen of the duodenum. Thus, when apoptosis takes place there is formation of a vacuole in the lumen. Failure of vacuolization will lead to absence of a duodenal lumen.

At molecular level, cell signaling seems to be interrupted between the two embryonic layers of endoderm and mesoderm that plays a vital role in organogenesis of duodenum. There is poor pattern coordination amongst these two cell layers as well. Thus, occasionally, one may find duodenal atresia in association with an annular pancreas i.e. ring of pancreatic tissue surrounding entire duodenal circumference.

There are no guidelines for prevention of duodenal atresia

Duodenal atresia is a medical condition seen in the pediatric age group wherein the duodenum is congenitally absent or there is complete closure of a portion of the lumen of the duodenum.

It is the commonest cause for intestinal surgery in pediatric age group.

Duodenal atresia is a congenital disorder caused by developmental errors in the embryo. There also can be absence of duodenum or there can be closure of the lumen of the duodenum causing an obstruction.

This may be seen due to incomplete proliferation or incomplete vacuolization. Either of the embryogenetic processes will lead to an obstructed duodenum. There is association seen with Down’s syndrome in around 20-40% of the patients. The fetus cannot swallow the amniotic fluid and cannot absorb it in the digestive tract. Hence, there is excessive amniotic fluid in the womb.
Polyhydramnios is seen in such conditions.

The infant will pass meconium normally like other infants but there is excessive vomiting seen during the very first hour after taking a breast feed. The vomitus is typically bilious as there is obstruction and hence, the milk taken is regurgitated out. This bilious vomiting immediately after birth is the hallmark of proximal gastro-intestinal tract and should always be treated that way unless proven otherwise. There is distention of the abdomen noted.

Infant should be X-rayed as it will show the ‘double bubble sign’. The first air bubble distention is the stomach air visible on an X-ray and the next air distention is caused due to the intestinal distention beyond the obstructed duodenum.

Since it is a mechanical defect, it needs early surgical correction. Medications will not alter the state of the infant and hence surgery alone will improve the condition. Before the surgery takes place few things need to be corrected. As the infant keeps vomiting continuously there may be dehydration as well as electrolyte imbalances along with hypokalemia. Dehydration should be corrected by giving Intravenous fluids and electrolytes should be replaced.

Once the infant is stable, then the operation consisting of duodeno-duodenostomy is performed where two hollow ends of the duodenum are connected. This can be done either laparoscopicaly or by the traditional methods by taking an incision on the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Post operation, minor complications like peptic ulcer, cholecystitis may occur.

Prognosis is good as once the defect is corrected the infants live normally with no long term complications. There is no risk for operation if only duodenal atresia is present in the infant bu,t if there are any associated cardiac complications then the risk increases. Recently, prenatal tests help to rule out the defect and hence pediatric surgery can be planned in advance.

1. Freeman SB, Torfs CP, Romitti PA, et al. Congenital gastrointestinal defects in Down syndrome: a report from the Atlanta and National Down Syndrome Projects. Clin Genet. Feb 2009;75(2):180-4.
2. Alatas FS, Masumoto K, Esumi G, Nagata K, Taguchi T. Significance of abnormalities in systems proximal and distal to the obstructed site of duodenal atresia. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. Feb 2012;54(2):242-7.
3. Haeusler MC, Berghold A, Stoll C, et al. Prenatal ultrasonographic detection of gastrointestinal obstruction: results from 18 European congenital anomaly registries. Prenat Diagn. Jul 2002;22(7):616-23.
4. van der Zee DC. Laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia: revisited. World J Surg. Aug 2011;35(8):1781-4.
5. Spilde TL, St Peter SD, Keckler SJ, Holcomb GW 3rd, Snyder CL, Ostlie DJ. Open vs laparoscopic repair of congenital duodenal obstructions: a concurrent series. J Pediatr Surg. Jun 2008;43(6):1002-5.