Congenital duodenal stenosis: a rare cause of failure to thrive

Nur Afifah Aziz, Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia
Khalilah Alhuda Kamilen, Jabatan Pembedahan Pediatrik, Hospital Tunku Azizah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Aliyyah Mohammad Khuzaini, Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia

Introduction: Duodenal stenosis is a congenital condition involving partial obstruction of the duodenal lumen. It often presents later with vague symptoms, delaying diagnosis. Case Report: We describe the case of a 19-month-old girl with recurrent vomiting since the neonatal period, initially resolving with no signs of obstruction. At 16 months, she showed faltering growth, initially attributed to colitis, with temporary symptom improvement. Three months later, vomiting recurred. The combination of chronic vomiting, growth delay and symptom recurrence raised the suspicion of a structural issue. Imaging confirmed duodenal stenosis, and she underwent a corrective duodenoduodenostomy. Discussion: This case highlights incomplete intestinal obstruction with non-specific symptoms delaying diagnosis. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for structural anomalies in children with persistent vomiting and failure to thrive.

Keywords: Duodenal atresia. Duodenal stenosis. Failure to thrive.