Acute bowel perforation in a fetus with gastroschisis

Gastroschisis is a congenital anomaly with a reported incidence of 1 in 10,000 live births. Although prenatal diagnosis is more common with the widespread use of biochemical markers and obstetric ultrasound, the role of ultrasound in the identification of the fetus that might need early intervention has not been established. Acute bowel perforation was diagnosed by ultrasound at 34 weeks gestation in a fetus with gastroschisis. An immediate Cesarean section was performed, followed by repair with primary closure. The neonatal outcome was favorable. The post-partum findings, including bowel pathology, confirmed the antenatal diagnosis. Acute bowel perforation can be diagnosed antenatally. Immediate intervention, before further bowel injury occurs, might enhance the ability of the surgeon to perform primary closure and obtain a favorable outcome.