Familial Apple Peel Jejunal Atresia: Surgical, Genetic, and Radiographic Aspects

Abstract

Fifty-seven cases of apple peel jejunal atresia have been reported in the English literature. Patients with this anomaly have a high incidence of prematurity (70%), malrotation (54%), short gut syndrome (74%), multiple atresias (15%), complications (63%), and mortality (54%). Mortality has decreased from 63% to 47% since 1970. We report three new cases of apple peel jejunal atresia, including two from one family. Radiographic evidence of high small bowel obstruction and a malrotated microcolon on preoperative roentgenogram with barium enema should suggest this diagnosis. Five families, including ours, have been reported in which more than one child was affected, and it has been suggested that this disorder is transmitted by an autosomal recessive gene. However, the occurrence of conventional intestinal atresia in other siblings, the association with multiple atresias, and discordance in a set of apparently monozygotic twins indicate that there may be a more complex spectrum of genetic transmission. Subsequent siblings are at increased risk for apple peel atresia or related malformations. Prenatal ultrasound can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.