DUODENAL ATRESIA

INTRODUCTION

The duodenum is the first portion of small intestine after the stomach that has
many connections to and shares blood vessels with other organs such as the liver,
gallbladder, and pancreas. When part of the bowel fails to develop normally in the fetus,
a blockage of the duodenum can occur, otherwise known as an atresia or bowel
obstruction. Duodenal atresias can occur as a complete or partial blockage of any portion
of the duodenum. Newborns diagnosed with duodenal atresia often present with
vomiting.Duodenal atresia occurs between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 5,000 live births. About
1/3 of infants born with duodenal atresia will also have Down Syndrome. Because of this
association, newborns are often tested for other problems such a heart defects.

DEFINITION
Duodenal atresia is the congenital absence or complete closure of a portion of
the lumen of the duodenum. It causes increased levels of amniotic fluid during
pregnancy (polyhydramnios) and intestinal obstruction in newborn babies.

TYPES

Type 1

A membrane traverses the internal diameter of the duodenum. This

membrane may be elongated, giving rise to the windsock type 1 duodenal atresia.

Type 2

Atresia, the atretic ends of the duodenum are connected by a fibrous cord

ETIOLOGY