Duodenal atresia associated with umbilical vein varix: prenatal diagnosis by fetal ultrasonography

Abstract

Duodenal atresia is the most frequent site of obstruction of the digestive tract and may be diagnosed in the prenatal stage. However, the varix of the umbilical vein is a rare entity. Both anomalies have been associated with other malformations and genetic entities. This study presents the case of a patient with a genetic high-risk pregnancy referred from her health area due to alterations in fetal echography corresponding to the second trimester, enlarged stomach, slightly enlarged small intestine loops, accompanied by an increase in intestinal peristalsis. A simultaneous diagnosis of duodenal atresia and varix of the umbilical vein is made. The pregnant woman and her family decide to keep the pregnancy. Early diagnosis of obstructive malformations of the digestive tract such as duodenal atresia and an associated umbilical varix, when deciding progress until pregnancy reaches full term, allows the multidisciplinary team to take measures to prevent possible prenatal complications and to plan an early postnatal surgical treatment for a better postoperative progress.

Keywords

• genetics
• ultrasonography, prenatal
• duodenal/abnormalities