Small intestinal atresia and segmental absence of muscle coats

The case of a newborn infant with small-intestine atresia coexisting with segmental absence of muscle coats leading to perforation and meconium peritonitis is presented. The theories of pathogenesis of the simultaneous occurrence of segmental absence of gut musculature and atresia are briefly reviewed. A possible etiologic role of vascular accident in utero for both conditions is discussed.