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[Hyperechogenic fetal bowel: collaborative study of 682 cases]
1Laboratoire SESEP, Université de Versailles, 78000 Versailles. brigitte.simon-bouy@cytogene.uvsq.fr
Journal De Gynecologie, Obstetrique Et Biologie De La Reproduction
|September 18, 2003
Summary
Hyperechogenic fetal bowel, a rare ultrasound finding, is linked to serious pregnancy complications. Further investigation and parental counseling are crucial for affected pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Hyperechogenic fetal bowel (HFB) occurs in 0.1-1.8% of pregnancies.
- This ultrasound finding is often associated with significant fetal pathologies.
- Large-scale prospective studies on HFB are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the spectrum of pregnancy outcomes and associated pathologies in fetuses with HFB.
- To evaluate the significance of HFB as an ultrasound marker.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter study identified 682 cases of HFB via routine ultrasound.
- Pregnancy outcomes and postnatal follow-up were obtained for 96% of cases.
Main Results:
- Normal outcomes were observed in 65.5% of cases.
- Significant findings included severe malformations (7.1%), chromosomal anomalies (3.5%), cystic fibrosis (3%), viral infections (2.9%), fetal death (1.9%), IUGR (4.1%), and premature birth (6.2%).
Conclusions:
- HFB is a significant ultrasound marker associated with diverse and potentially severe fetal conditions.
- Recommended investigations include detailed fetal scans, karyotyping, cystic fibrosis screening, and infectious disease screening.
- Postnatal pediatric evaluation and surgical consultation may be necessary, alongside comprehensive parental counseling.