Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Duodenal atresia diagnostic study of choice
Introduction
Overview
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
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
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.
Editor-In-Chief:
C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hamid Qazi, MD, BSc [2]