Trilogy of foregut atresia without genetic abnormality: exception to the Martinez-Frias syndrome

Update on investigations pertaining to the pathogenesis of biliary atresia

Biliary atresia is a devastating biliary disease of neonates that results in liver transplantation for the vast majority. The etiology of biliary atresia is unknown and is likely multifactorial, with components of genetic predisposition, environmental trigger and autoimmunity contributing to disease pathogenesis. This review highlights recent work related to investigations of disease pathogenesis in biliary atresia.

Trilogy of foregut, midgut and hindgut atresias presenting in reverse order

We present a case of triple gut atresias (foregut, midgut and hindgut) with multiple congenital anomalies presenting as imperforate anus. Abdominal radiography showed the double bubble sign. Upper gastrointestinal study through a nasogastric tube confirmed duodenal obstruction. Exploratory laparotomy, duodeno-duodenostomy for duodenal atresia and a left descending colostomy for anorectal malformation were performed. During extubation, the nasogastric tube came out and could not be reinserted by the anaesthetic team under laryngoscopic guidance. A chest radiograph showed the tube curled in the upper pouch. Bronchoscopy and oesophagoscopy confirmed oesophageal atresia (OA) with a distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF). The patient underwent right-sided extrapleural thoracotomy and division of the fistula with primary repair of OA uneventfully. Triple gut atresias presenting in reverse order with multiple anomalies is rare and passage of a nasogastric tube into the stomach in the presence of OA+TOF is exceptional. Alimentary tract obstruction should be corrected in proximal to distal direction.