Duodenal lesions in infancy and childhood

All duodenal lesions in infancy and childhood recorded at the Charity Hospital of Louisiana from July 1, 1944, to July 1, 1954, have been reviewed. Their embryologic development and treatment have been discussed briefly. Thirteen children had duodenal obstructions, and four of these died as a result of their obstructions. Two of these died with the obstructive process being discovered only when they were moribund. Of the eleven patients who came to operation, nine lived. Four children had a proved radiographic diagnosis of duodenal ulcer, and one of these died from perforation. One child received a laceration of the duodenum incident to non-penetrating abdominal trauma and survived. Another had suppurative duodenitis as an incidental finding at autopsy, death being attributed to other causes.