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What is the most likely diagnosis for a newborn presenting with bilious emesis, a non-distended abdomen, and a double bubble sign?

1) Intestinal obstruction
2) Gastroenteritis
3) Gastroesophageal reflux
4) Hirschsprung disease

User JohnCand
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

A newborn with bilious emesis, a non-distended abdomen, and a double bubble sign is most likely to be diagnosed with duodenal atresia, which is a type of intestinal obstruction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario described suggests a classic presentation of a gastrointestinal condition in a newborn, namely a bilious emesis and the radiological "double bubble sign," without abdominal distension. This combination is often indicative of duodenal atresia, which is a type of intestinal obstruction occurring when a part of the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine) has not developed properly, resulting in a complete closure and thus blocking the passage of stomach contents.

Gastroenteritis typically presents with diarrhea and possible fever, and gastroesophageal reflux would not typically show the double bubble sign on imaging. Hirschsprung disease is associated with a failure to pass meconium and abdominal distension, which are not described in the current case.

Therefore, the most likely diagnosis in this context would be duodenal atresia, a form of intestinal obstruction. Further confirmatory diagnostic steps would include additional imaging and potentially surgical intervention.

The most likely diagnosis for a newborn presenting with bilious emesis, a non-distended abdomen, and a double bubble sign is duodenal atresia, a congenital intestinal obstruction. This condition requires prompt medical attention and often surgical correction.

User Zopieux
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