Dilated fetal bowel as indication for prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal bowel strangulation

“…The antenatal ultrasound examination findings in the present case are very similar to those in a reported case of meconium ileus caused by cystic fibrosis 2 . Compared to pseudocysts caused by fetal bowel stenosis/obstruction, such as duodenal atresia, the features of intestinal swelling in such cases may not be very prominent.…”

“…Compared to pseudocysts caused by fetal bowel stenosis/obstruction, such as duodenal atresia, the features of intestinal swelling in such cases may not be very prominent. Despite its low prevalence, early treatment is considered essential to limit the progression of fetal intestinal damage and life‐threatening situations in severe cases 2 . We propose that appearance of the intestine akin to a baseball glove, any large glove or hand, on prenatal ultrasound examination, accompanied by the observation of fetal ascites and fetal movement reduction, may be important signs of fetal bowel strangulation that require special attention during pregnancy.…”

Fetal Bowel Dilatation: A Sonographic Sign of Uncertain Prognosis

“…Concerning the first two, before 24 weeks' gestation, bowel loops are not recognized because there is no efficient gastric peristalsis [ 2 ]. After week 25, the bowel becomes echogenic, similar in echogenicity to adjacent liver [ 3 ].…”

“…After week 25, the bowel becomes echogenic, similar in echogenicity to adjacent liver [ 3 ]. Fetal swallowing with passive and active gastric emptying produces the fluid filling of small bowel loops and the accumulation of meconium throughout the second and third trimesters [ 2 ]. In this case and like others described in the literature [ 9 ], the bowel dilatation only became evident in the third trimester.…”

“…Fetal bowel dilatation is characterized by fluid-filled intestinal loops which measure at least 15 mm in length or 7 mm in diameter [ 1 ]. Ultrasonographic image of dilated fetal bowel is a sign of intestinal mechanical or functional obstruction and its prevalence will depend on the underlying condition: bowel atresia or stenosis, malrotation with volvulus, meconium ileus, total colonic aganglionosis, and meconium plug syndrome [ 2 ].…”