Congenital duodenal band masquerading as duodenal atresia in a neonate: a diagnostic challenge

Duodenal anomalies represent a spectrum of congenital malformations that may present with similar clinical and radiological findings. We report a rare case of a congenital duodenal band mimicking duodenal atresia in a neonate. A primigravida woman in her 20s presented with polyhydramnios and suspected fetal duodenal atresia on antenatal ultrasound. Postnatally, the male child exhibited a double bubble sign on abdominal X-ray. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a duodenal band compressing the second part of the duodenum without intrinsic atresia or web. The band was released, and the infant recovered uneventfully. This case highlights the importance of considering duodenal bands in the differential diagnosis of neonatal duodenal obstruction.