General Surgery

	Answer 6 Duodenal atresia As mentioned previously, bilious emesis in an infant is an operative emergency until proven otherwise. This patient’s radiograph shows a dilated, air-filled stomach and proximal duodenum (“double bubble” sign) as well as no gas in the distal bowel. The clinical presentation and radiographic findings are highly suggestive of duodenal atresia.5 The gasless distal intestine in a 1-day old infant could potentially represent intestinal malrotation with proximal volvulus, but the child’s benign state with nontender abdomen indicate that volvulus would likely have been a remote in-utero event and would not require emergent operation. Annular pancreas is associated with almost 25% of cases of duodenal obstruction, but typically some air passes into the distal small intestine (unlike duodenal atresia, which is a complete obstruction). Similarly, in jejunoileal atresia, air can pass through the entire duodenum and at least some of the jejunum. Pyloric stenosis does not cause a dilated proximal duodenum as there is no postpyloric obstruction. REFERENCES 5. Escobar MA, Ladd AP, Grosfeld JL, et al. Duodenal atresia and stenosis: long-term follow-up over 30 years. J Pediatr Surg 2004;39:867-71. Click here to return to the questions
	Hospital Physician     JCOM     Seminars in Medical Practice Hospital Physician Board Review Manuals About TWC    Subscribe    Contact TWC    Home    Search   Site Map Copyright © 2009, Turner White Communications Updated 4/17/08 • nvf