The diagnostic value of the triple bubble sign in proximal jejunal atresia: a case report
Amole, A.O.D.; Johnson, A.W.B.R.; Adesiyun, O.A.M.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 32(1): 95-98
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0309-3913 PMID: 15030076 Document Number: 563049
Proximal jejunal atresia (PJA) is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in the newborn. Despite the need for an early surgical intervention to minimize morbidity and mortality, a timely identification is frequently precluded by the absence of specific clinical and investigative clues. Against the background of the limitations in making a timely diagnosis of PJA in a tropical setting, where opportunities for high-tech imaging tools are few, we report the diagnostic value of the "triple bubble" sign on the plain radiograph of a Nigerian infant. This radiologic finding led to an early diagnosis and ultimately a prompt surgical extirpation. The paper suggests that the presence of this sign should be a pointer to an early diagnosis of PJA.