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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
Intra-amniotic bleeding and fetal echogenic bowel
B Petrikovsky1, M Smith-Levitin, N Holsten
1Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, New York University School of Medicine, Manhasset 11030, USA.
Objective:
To assess the relationship between intra-amniotic bleeding and fetal echogenic bowel.
Methods:
Comprehensive fetal ultrasound examinations were done before and 12 hours after fetal transfusions. Follow-up ultrasound examinations were done weekly in 28 fetuses with intra-amniotic bleeding. Hyperechogenic bowel was diagnosed when the echogenicity of fetal bowel was similar to that of bone. Postpuncture bleeding was identified when a stream of echogenic material from the cord into the amniotic space was seen, lasting at least 60 seconds.
Results:
None of the fetuses had echogenic bowel before initial transfusions. Intra-amniotic bleeding was followed by bowel echogenicity in seven of 28 fetuses within the first 12 hours after bleeding episodes. Echogenic bowel remained in five fetuses 2 weeks after the bleeding episodes. In three fetuses, echogenic bowel was still seen 4 weeks later.
Conclusion:
Intra-amniotic bleeding can lead to echogenic bowel.
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