Hypertrophy of Ligament of Treitz

Abstract

Congenital duodenal obstruction commonly occurs due to malrotation, atresia, stenosis and annular pancreas in decreasing order of frequency. This is a case report of a 12 year old male child who presented with complaints of non-projectile vomiting and abdominal distension and pain after meals since 7 years. Barium study showed narrowing of the Duodeno-jejunal(DJ) junction due to hypertrophied ligament of Treitz. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a dilated stomach and collapsed bowel loops. There were adhesions at DJ junction and other parts of the small intestine. Adhesiolysis was done. The followup revealed a weight gain of 2 kg. The barium study was repeated which also revealed a normal study. Congenital obstruction of duodeno-jejunal junction due to extrinsic band or due to narrower attachment of ligament of Treitz at duodeno-jejunal flexure is a rare cause of bilious vomiting in the newborn period. A broad attachment of the ligament of Treitz makes a smooth obtuse angle at the duodeno-jejunum junction whereas a narrower insertion creates an acute angle that predisposes to obstruction.Duodenal obstruction may rarely occur in the presence of a normally rotated gut.

Keywords

• Duodenal Obstruction
• Suspensory Muscle of Duodenum
• Attachment
• Adhesiolysis.