Duodenal atresia

Duodenal atresia
OMIM	223400
DiseasesDB	31514
MedlinePlus	001131

{{Duodenal atresia} Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Duodenal atresia is the congenital absence or complete closure of a portion of the lumen of the duodenum.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Approximately 20-40% of all infants with duodenal atresia have Down syndrome. It is also associated with polyhydramnios which is increased amniotic fluid in the uterus.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnosis of duodenal atresia is usually confirmed by radiography. An X-ray of the abdomen shows two large air filled spaces, the so-called "double bubble" sign. The air is trapped in the stomach and duodenum. Since the closure of the duodenum is complete in duodenal atresia, no air is seen distal to the duodenum.

Imaging Findings

Chest X Ray

Duodenal atresia (double bubble), Down Syndrome

CT

Mom had CT scan to rule out appendicitis. Duodenal atresia incidentally noted

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• For the neonate with the classic appearance of a double bubble, additional radiologic investigation is unnecessary, and the surgeon is alerted to plan for surgery, since all congenital causes of duodenal obstruction require surgery.
• The double bubble sign is a finding observed on radiographs of newborns and infants.
• The finding depicts two air-filled structures in the upper abdomen, with little or no air distally.
• The proximal left-sided bubble is the air- and fluid-filled stomach. The proximal duodenum represents the second bubble to the right of the midline.
• It is reproducible with a variety of other imaging modalities, including upper gastrointestinal studies and sonography.