The authors report duodenal atresia occurring in both members of dizyg
otic twins who showed no signs of Down's syndrome, and both had normal
chromosomal constitutions. They both had the two unlinked end type of
atresia in the second portion of the duodenum, and direct end-to-end
duodenoduodenostomy was carried out. Their postoperative courses were
smooth, and both babies were discharged 32 days after birth. Their mot
her underwent pituitary adenoma removal and partial parathyroidectomy
for multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN-type I). She had been given horm
onal supplement therapy after surgery and became pregnant after exogen
ous gonadotropin therapy. Environmental factors may be responsible for
some cases of duodenal atresia. Copyright (C) 1997 by W.B. Saunders C
ompany.