Duodenal atresia

Symptoms:

• abnormal fetal ultrasound
• early vomiting of large amounts
• green vomiting (bile)
• continued vomiting even when infant has not been fed for several hours
• absent urination after first few voidings
• absent bowel movements after first few meconium stools

Signs and tests:

• suggestive pregnancy ultrasound (if done)
• polyhydramnios (excessive amounts of amniotic fluid in the uterus)
• abdominal X-ray
• blood chemistries (to check blood electrolytes)

Other signs:

• excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
• Downs syndrome is present in a quarter of cases of duodenal atresia