Etiology and Diagnosis of Jejunoileal Atresia

Clinical Presentation

The American College of Radiology suggests that bilious vomiting within the first 2 days of life is a common presentation of jejunoileal atresia due to proximal intestinal obstruction 1, 2
Abdominal distension occurs due to accumulation of fluid and gas proximal to the obstruction, as noted by the American College of Radiology 1
Failure to pass meconium is characteristic of distal bowel obstruction, according to the American College of Radiology 1

Abdominal radiographs show multiple air-fluid levels and distended small bowel loops, characteristic of intestinal obstruction, as reported by the American College of Radiology 1, 3
A "triple bubble" sign may be visible on radiographs in cases of jejunal atresia, as described by the American College of Radiology 3
Contrast enema can demonstrate a microcolon due to lack of contents moving through the bowel, as noted by the American College of Radiology 3

The American College of Radiology differentiates jejunoileal atresia from abnormal rotation of midgut (malrotation), which typically presents with bilious vomiting but is caused by abnormal intestinal rotation during embryologic development rather than a vascular accident 4
Failure of recanalization of primitive gut lumen is the mechanism for duodenal atresia, not jejunoileal atresia, as reported by Rhinology 5
Neural crest migration failure is associated with Hirschsprung disease, not jejunoileal atresia, according to the American College of Radiology 3
Persistence of cloacal membrane is associated with anorectal malformations, not jejunoileal atresia, as noted by the American College of Radiology 3