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Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Fetal gallstones
Nalini Munjuluri1, Nader Elgharaby, Dominique Acolet
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. naras@murty.demon.co.uk
Insights
Fetal cholelithiasis, or prenatal gallstones, is uncommon. In two cases, these echogenic foci resolved spontaneously within 16 weeks after birth, with infants treated using ursodeoxycholic acid.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
Background:
- The clinical significance and natural progression of fetal cholelithiasis remain incompletely understood.
- Prenatal diagnosis of gallstones is rare, necessitating further investigation into its implications.
Observation:
- Two cases of fetal echogenic foci, indicative of gallstones, were identified during prenatal ultrasound examinations.
- These echogenic foci, detected in utero, were monitored postnatally.
Findings:
- The fetal gallstones observed in both cases demonstrated spontaneous resolution.
- Resolution occurred within 16 weeks following birth in both infants.
- Both infants received ursodeoxycholic acid treatment for their condition.
Implications:
- This case series suggests that fetal cholelithiasis may have a benign natural history with a high rate of spontaneous resolution.
- Ursodeoxycholic acid may be a therapeutic option for persistent fetal gallstones.
- Further research is warranted to establish definitive guidelines for managing fetal cholelithiasis.
Abstract:
The significance and natural history of fetal cholelithiasis is not yet well defined. We report two cases of echogenic foci detected prenatally by ultrasound. The gallstones resolved in both cases by 16 weeks following birth. Both infants were treated by ursodeoxycholic acid.
