SEARCH RESULTS FOR: Intestinal-Atresia

Intestinal Atresia

Intestinal Atresia: Pathogenesis and clinical findings Developmental error (e.g., Down Syndrome) Intussusception Thromboembolism Intestinal hernia Volvulus Genetic defect impacts foregut development during the 8th to 10th week of gestation One part of the intestine folds into another in utero which blocks blood flow Gestational blood clot blocks intestinal blood vessels (e.g., superior mesenteric artery) Protrusion of the intestines through an abdominal opening in utero limits blood flow The intestine twists around itself in utero, obstructing blood flow Inadequate or absent signaling to initiate vacuolation (creation of holes/vacuoles) of the solid duodenum ↓ Perfusion of the jejunum, ileum or colon, leading to gut ischemia à Gut tissue does not develop fully The duodenal channel fails to open Poorly developed ischemic tissue becomes necrotic & the body reabsorbs it, creating blind ends (intestinal discontinuation) Intestinal atresia Complete occlusion of the intestinal (duodenal, jejunal, ileal or colonic) lumen, usually in the neonate Authors: Diana Changirwa Skanda Kaushik Reviewers: Sergio Sharif Nicholas Samuelson Christopher N. Andrews* Yan Yu* * MD at time of publication **See corresponding Calgary Guide slide(s) Occlusion in proximal small Occlusion in proximal small bowel but after ampulla of Vater bowel but after ampulla of Vater (where the common bile duct releases bile into the small bowel) Occlusion in distal small bowel Secreted bile cannot move past occlusion Gas & fluid accumulate in the stomach & proximal duodenum Proximal obstruction limits passage of nutrients & intestinal fluids through the bowel Intestinal secretions & gas accumulate proximal to obstruction Luminal distension causes ↑ intestinal pressure & ↓ intestinal mucosal integrity ↑ Proliferation of bacteria in stagnant bowel Bile refluxes into the stomach Bilious vomiting Double-bubble sign (dilated stomach & proximal duodenum on imaging) Gut bacteria move through mucosa & enter bloodstream Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia) Malnutrition In neonate: no meconium Complete Abdominal bowel distention obstruction (first stool) Sepsis** Legend: Published May 19, 2026 on www.thecalgaryguide.com Pathophysiology Mechanism Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding Complications