atresia
Pronunciation: ah-TREE-zhah
Congenital absence or abnormal closure of a body opening or passage, commonly affecting the digestive tract in newborns.
Full Definition
Atresia refers to the congenital absence, underdevelopment, or abnormal closure of a normal body opening or passage. In pediatric gastroenterology, intestinal atresias are significant birth defects affecting various parts of the digestive tract including esophageal, duodenal, jejunal, ileal, and colonic atresia. These conditions result from developmental abnormalities during fetal growth and typically present with signs of intestinal obstruction including bilious vomiting, abdominal distension, and failure to pass meconium. Surgical correction is usually required soon after birth to restore continuity of the digestive tract.
Usage
Usage note: Often used in combination with anatomical locations (e.g., duodenal atresia, esophageal atresia).
In Context
- "Prenatal ultrasound detected polyhydramnios suggesting possible esophageal atresia, confirmed after delivery." — Neonatal surgical consultation