ABSTRACT
Congenital duodenal obstruction (DO) is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in the newborn period, occurring in 1 per 5000-10,000 live births. The underlying cause of duodenal atresia remains unknown, although its pathophysiology has been well described. Frequent association of duodenal atresia or stenosis with other neonatal malformations suggests that both anomalies are due to a developmental error in the early period of gestation. Duodenal atresia, web, and stenosis usually occur in the second part of the duodenum, close to the area of intense embryological activity involved with the development of the biliary and pancreatic structures. Visualization of a fluid-filled double bubble on prenatal ultrasound scan is associated with DO secondary to intrinsic lesion, extrinsic lesion, or both. This sonographic finding is known to have a low false-positive rate. The presenting symptoms and signs are the result of high intestinal obstruction. About half of these patients are premature and low-birth-weight infants.
