A Rare Case of Jejunal Atresia Due to Intrauterine Intussusception

Area of Science:

• Neonatal surgery
• Pediatric gastroenterology
• Developmental biology

Background:

• Intestinal atresia is typically caused by intrauterine vascular obstructions.
• Intrauterine intussusceptions (IUI) are a rare cause of such obstructions.
• While IUI is common in infants, its occurrence in utero is infrequent.

Observation:

• A 7-day-old neonate presented with symptoms suggestive of intestinal obstruction.
• Imaging and surgical findings confirmed jejunal atresia.
• The atresia was directly linked to a preceding intrauterine jejuno-jejunal intussusception.

Findings:

• This case demonstrates a direct etiological link between intrauterine intussusception and jejunal atresia.
• The intrauterine event led to compromised blood supply and subsequent bowel atresia.
• This represents a rare but significant cause of congenital intestinal atresia.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering IUI in the differential diagnosis of neonatal intestinal atresia.
• Suggests potential for prenatal diagnosis and intervention in select cases of IUI.
• Contributes to understanding the pathophysiology of congenital intestinal anomalies.