Hereditary Multiple Intestinal Atresia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Maher M Al-Zaiem1, Rawan S Alsamli2, Ethar A Alsulami2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maternity and Children Hospital, Makkah, SAU.

Cureus
|December 2, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Hereditary multiple intestinal atresia (HMIA) is a rare condition affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract. This case report details a neonate diagnosed with HMIA, highlighting diagnostic and management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Genetics

Background:

  • Hereditary multiple intestinal atresia (HMIA) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly.
  • It affects the gastrointestinal tract from the pylorus to the rectum, presenting significant surgical challenges.

Observation:

  • A three-day-old female infant presented with symptoms of upper intestinal obstruction.
  • Radiological imaging revealed pyloric obstruction, intra-abdominal calcifications, and rectal atresia, strongly suggesting HMIA.
  • Exploratory laparotomy confirmed extensive intestinal atresias from the pylorus through the small bowel, a cord-like colon, and rectal atresia.

Findings:

  • Surgical intervention involved multiple resections of atretic segments with subsequent anastomoses.
  • A terminal ileostomy and a trans-anastomotic tube were utilized for management.
  • The case illustrates the complex clinical presentation and surgical management of HMIA.

Implications:

  • This case contributes to the limited literature on Hereditary multiple intestinal atresia.
  • It underscores the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive surgical management in neonates with HMIA.
  • Further research into the genetic basis and long-term outcomes of HMIA is warranted.