# Duodenal Stenosis Complicated by Foreign Body Impaction in a Child With Down Syndrome: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A child with Down syndrome had a severe intestinal blockage caused by ingested date seeds, emphasizing the need for early GI screening in such patients.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of GI complications in Down syndrome by highlighting a rare and complex presentation involving foreign body impaction.

## Key findings

- A five-year-old boy with Down syndrome had duodenal stenosis complicated by 239 ingested date seeds.
- Surgical intervention was required to address the severe intestinal narrowing and foreign body impaction.
- The case underscores the importance of early screening for GI anomalies in children with Down syndrome.

## Abstract

Down syndrome (DS) is frequently associated with gastrointestinal (GI) anomalies, with duodenal atresia or stenosis being among the most common. We report a five-year-old boy with DS and hypothyroidism who presented with an acute abdomen and was found to have duodenal stenosis complicated by foreign body ingestion. Surgical intervention revealed significant duodenal narrowing with the impaction of 239 date seeds. This case highlights the importance of early screening for GI anomalies in DS patients, especially when symptoms are atypical or prolonged.