About duodenal atresia or stenosis

What is duodenal atresia or stenosis?

Duodenal atresia or stenosis is a rare congenital digestive disorder that usually occurs for no apparent reason (sporadically). However, a few cases of duodenal atresia have been inherited as an autosomal recessive genetic trait.

Duodenal atresia is a disease of newborn infants. Absence or complete closure (atresia) of a portion of the channel (lumen) within the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), or partial obstruction due to narrowing (stenosis) of the duodenum, is present. Other associated abnormalities may be found in over half of those affected with duodenal atresia or duodenal stenosis.

What are the symptoms for duodenal atresia or stenosis?

These symptoms may be different from person to person. Some people may have more symptoms than others and symptoms can range from mild to severe. This list does not include every symptom.
This disease might cause these symptoms:

Duodenal atresia (A developmental defect resulting in complete obliteration of the duodenal lumen, that is, an abnormal closure of the duodenum), Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid during pregnancy), abnormality of the pancreas, abnormality of the pulmonary artery, annular pancreas

What are the causes for duodenal atresia or stenosis?

The cause of duodenal atresia is not known. It is thought to result from problems during an embryo's development. The duodenum does not change from a solid to a tube-like structure, as it normally would.

Many infants with duodenal atresia also have Down syndrome. Duodenal atresia is often associated with other birth defects.

What are the treatments for duodenal atresia or stenosis?

A tube is placed to decompress the stomach. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are corrected by providing fluids through an intravenous tube (IV, into a vein). Checking for other congenital anomalies should be done.

Surgery to correct the duodenal blockage is necessary, but not an emergency. The exact surgery will depend on the nature of the abnormality. Other problems (such as those related to Down syndrome) must be treated as appropriate.

What are the risk factors for duodenal atresia or stenosis?

Duodenal atresia or stenosis is a rare inherited autosomal recessive genetic trait( inherit one mutated gene from each parent) in newborns. It is a condition that results in improper development of the first part of the small intestine. The partial development results in the blockages of the path, and food can't process down. However, it is associated with the following risk factors.

  • Down syndrome: It is the most common risk factor associated with children having Duodenal atresia. Approx 30% of infants develop down syndrome because of duodenal atresia. A child with down syndrome has extra chromosomes that result in poor development and other serious problem related to the heart, brain,nevrous system, and digestive symptoms.
  • VACTERL anomalies: It affects various organs of the human body. VACTERAL elaborated vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities.
  • Malrotation: It is a birth imperfection interface that happens when the digestion tracts don't accurately or completely turn into their normal final position during development.
  • Annular pancreas: it is one of the most common congenital defects seen in babies' pancreas. It results in covering the first part of the intestine with extra pancreatic tissue.
  • Mandibulofacial dysostosis: It is a rare condition that results in underdeveloped facial bones and a very small lower jaw and chin. However, this doesn't have a cure, but it can be fixed over time through surgery.


Conditions
Closure in the first part of the intestine prevents the passage of milk and digestive fluids,Stomach area swelling,Vomiting
Drugs
Surgery
Symptoms
Green cloured vomit,Early vomiting even if the baby isn’t fed,Stomach area swelling

Is there a cure/medications for duodenal atresia or stenosis?

Duodenal atresia or stenosis is a rare birth digestive tract disorder that results in blockage in the duodenal, the first part of the small intestine. It is an inherited autosomal recessive trait ( inheriting one defective gene from each parent). This disorder leads to blockage in the digestive tract, and the food and digestive juices can't move to the other parts of the digestive system. Moreover, it can be cured only through surgical methods:

The treatment and cure of Duodenal atresia:

  • It can is detected in the womb with the help of prenatal ultrasound and fetal MRI. However, it only is diagnosed and cured once the mother delivers the baby.
  • A series of X-rays of the baby's belly has been taken. This series of X-rays is known as contract studies. In this procedure, the doctor provides the baby with a liquid containing dye into the baby's belly either orally or through a pipe connected to the child's rectum. This helps the doctors to mark the tract of the surgery.
  • The doctors insert a tube into the baby's stomach through the mouth or nose. It empties the baby's stomach and keeps the gas out.
  • After all these procedures, surgery is performed on the child to treat duodenal atresia.


Conditions
Closure in the first part of the intestine prevents the passage of milk and digestive fluids,Stomach area swelling,Vomiting
Drugs
Surgery
Symptoms
Green cloured vomit,Early vomiting even if the baby isn’t fed,Stomach area swelling

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