Embryology: duodenal atresia: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · Embryology: duodenal atresia

Sample item

A newborn with Down syndrome has bilious vomiting on day 1 and a double bubble sign on the abdominal film. Which embryological process has failed?

AClosure of the pleuroperitoneal membranesBObliteration of the vitelline ductCRecanalisation of the solid duodenal stageDRotation of the midgut loop

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Recanalisation of the solid duodenal stage

Duodenal atresia results from failure of the lumen to recanalise after its solid stage in early development. It is associated with Down syndrome and gives the double bubble sign. Malrotation, vitelline duct persistence and diaphragmatic defects produce different presentations.

Option by option

A. Closure of the pleuroperitoneal membranes
Failed closure of the pleuroperitoneal membranes causes a diaphragmatic hernia.
B. Obliteration of the vitelline duct
A persistent vitelline duct causes Meckel diverticulum or a fistula.
C. Recanalisation of the solid duodenal stage (correct)
Correct. Failed recanalisation of the solid duodenum causes atresia.
D. Rotation of the midgut loop
Failed rotation causes malrotation and midgut volvulus, not a complete duodenal block with this sign.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is C, Recanalisation of the solid duodenal stage. Duodenal atresia results from failure of the lumen to recanalise after its solid stage in early development.

Why is "Closure of the pleuroperitoneal membranes" not the answer?

Failed closure of the pleuroperitoneal membranes causes a diaphragmatic hernia.

Why is "Obliteration of the vitelline duct" not the answer?

A persistent vitelline duct causes Meckel diverticulum or a fistula.

Why is "Rotation of the midgut loop" not the answer?

Failed rotation causes malrotation and midgut volvulus, not a complete duodenal block with this sign.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embryology: duodenal atresia in Anatomy. It is associated with Down syndrome and gives the double bubble sign. Malrotation, vitelline duct persistence and diaphragmatic defects produce different presentations.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Embryology: duodenal atresia?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.