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Traumatic prenatal sigmoid perforation due to amniocentesis
B Fines1, T E Ben-Ami, D K Yousefzadeh
1Department of Pediatric Radiology, The University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Pediatric Radiology
|July 5, 2001
Summary
Amniocentesis can cause fetal gastrointestinal injuries, including sigmoid perforation. This case highlights the need for radiologists to consider amniocentesis history in unexplained fetal intestinal perforations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Fetal Medicine
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Fetal injuries from medical procedures are documented.
- Amniocentesis is a common prenatal diagnostic procedure.
- Intrauterine gastrointestinal perforation is a rare but serious condition.
Observation:
- This report details the first case of sigmoid colon perforation directly linked to amniocentesis.
- The infant presented with abdominal distention at birth, a key clinical sign.
- A potential association with increased spontaneous intrauterine gastrointestinal perforations was noted.
Findings:
- Sigmoid perforation in a fetus was confirmed as a complication of amniocentesis.
- The perforation manifested clinically as neonatal abdominal distention.
- Amniotic fluid analysis may reveal evidence of fetal intestinal injury.
Implications:
- Radiologists should routinely inquire about amniocentesis history in neonates with unexplained intestinal perforation.
- This finding may prompt further investigation into the link between amniocentesis and intrauterine gastrointestinal events.
- Enhanced awareness can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management for fetal iatrogenic injuries.
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