Duodenal atresia diagnostic study of choice
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hamid Qazi, MD, BSc [2]
Overview
Duodenal atresia does not have a diagnostic study of choice. However, abdominal x-ray and ultrasound can confirm duodenal atresia.
Diagnostic Study of Choice
Gold standard/Study of choice:
- Duodenal atresia does not have a gold standard study of choice.
Diagnostic results
The following result of ultrasound is confirmatory of duodenal atresia:[1][2]
- Air fluid levels in the stomach.
- Double bubble sign on x-ray which shows absent gas in the small intestine and distended stomach.
Sequence of Diagnostic Studies
An abdominal x-ray should be performed when:
- The patient presented with symptoms of persistent emesis, bilious vomiting, and/or abdominal distension.
An abdominal ultrasound should be performed to:
- Confirm duodenal atresia.
References
- ↑ Adams, Stephen D.; Stanton, Michael P. (2014). “Malrotation and intestinal atresias”. Early Human Development. 90 (12): 921–925. doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2014.09.017. ISSN 0378-3782.
- ↑ Morris, Grant; Kennedy, Alfred; Cochran, William (2016). “Small Bowel Congenital Anomalies: a Review and Update”. Current Gastroenterology Reports. 18 (4). doi:10.1007/s11894-016-0490-4. ISSN 1522-8037.
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