Duodenal atresia

Duodenal atresia is a congenital bowel obstruction, usually located between the first and second portions of the duodenum. The overall incidence is approximately 1 in 6,000 births. Approximately one-third of patients with neonatal duodenal obstruction also have trisomy 21. Other frequently associated anomalies include congenital heart disease, annular pancreas, and malrotation. The widely accepted theory regarding the embryogenesis of duodenal atresia is a failure of recanalization of the solid portion of the gastrointestinal lumen rather than a mesenteric vascular accident or interruption, which is the prevailing theory as to the pathogenesis of other intestinal atresias. The number of infants born with duodenal obstruction appears to be declining, but survival is increasing. These trends might be due to the increasing frequency of early prenatal diagnosis and elective termination of pregnancies when major cardiac or chromosomal anomalies are identified.