Duodenal atresia presenting as hematemesis in a premature infant with Down syndrome. Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Congenital duodenal obstruction, a common complication of Down syndrome, most often presents as neonatal bilious vomiting. We report the first premature infant with Down syndrome whose duodenal atresia presented with a massive hematemesis secondary to duodenitis. Since a plain radiograph of the abdomen is diagnostic in the case of duodenal obstruction, it should be included in the diagnostic workup of hematemesis in newborn infants.