A case of duodenal atresia with apple peel appearance: challenging the current embryology

Classically, embryology of duodenal atresia has been linked to defect in recanalization process, while apple-peal atresia of small bowel has been considered as due to vascular accident during embryonic life. We present a 33 week preterm neonate with duodenal atresia with the apple-peal appearance of proximal jejunum for which resection of the jejunum with apple-peal configuration, plication of the duodenum, and duodono-jejunal anastomosis was done. Thus, this rare case of ours questions the embryology of duodenal atresia with the apple-peal appearance suggesting it to be due to a vascular disruption phenomenon during embryonic life.