Pyloric atresia: five new cases, a new association, and a review of the literature with guidelines

Abstract

Background/purpose: Pyloric atresia is an uncommon condition occurring in 1 of 100,000 live births. When occurring in isolation, the clinical course usually is uncomplicated after surgical treatment. However, it may occur in association with other congenital abnormalities. The authors present 5 new cases, 3 of associated abnormalities including 1 of esophageal atresia and 2 of agenesis of the gall bladder and malrotation. Agenesis of the gall bladder has not been described previously in combination with pyloric atresia. The literature has been reviewed and guidelines are suggested for the management.

Methods: The case records of 4 neonates who presented to the author's institution between January 1998 and June 1999 and 1 who presented at another center in 1991 were reviewed. A Medline literature search was performed, and guidelines were developed for the management of this condition based on our cases and the literature review.

Results: Patients 1 and 5 had no associated anomalies. Patient 2 had associated esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, atrial septal defect, crossed renal ectopia, malrotation, and absent gall bladder. Patient 3 had a rectovestibular fistula, vaginal atresia, atrial septal defect, malrotation absent gallbladder, and absent extrahepatic portal vein. Patient 4 had epidermolysis bullosa. Patients 2 and 5 had unremarkable recoveries, patients 2 and 3 had markedly delayed gastric emptying that responded to cisapride. Patient 3 has portal hypertension and remains under close follow-up. Patient 4 died at 22 days of age of pseudomonas sepsis.

Conclusions: Based on our cases and literature review, we have adopted the following guidelines: (1) All children with pyloric atresia should be screened for multiple anomalies. (2) Delayed gastric emptying should be considered early and may respond to prokinetic agents. (3) Association with Epidermolysis bullosa should not preclude surgical treatment. (4) A skin biopsy specimen should be taken at the time of surgery for electron microscopy if there is a family history of epidermolysis bullosa.