Duodenal atresia

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Stomach and small intestine

Duodenal atresia is a condition in which the duodenum (the first part of the small bowel) has not developed properly. It is not open and cannot allow the passage of stomach contents.

The cause of duodenal atresia is unknown, but it is thought to result from problems during the developmental stage in which the embryo's duodenum normally changes from solid to tube-like (recanalization).

Duodenal atresia is present in more than 1 in 10,000 live births. Approximately 20-30% of infants with duodenal atresia have Downs syndrome. Duodenal atresia is often associated with other congenital abnormalities.

Review Date: 10/31/2005
Reviewed By: Jeremy Goverman, M.D., Department of Trauma and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.