Related Experiment Videos
Intraluminal bladder calcifications: an antenatal sign of an enterovesical fistula
L M Hill1, D Rivello, J G Martin
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Magee-Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pennsylvania.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 1, 1990
Insights
Anorectal agenesis often involves fistulas. Detecting fetal bladder meconium concretions suggests an enterovesical fistula, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Fetal Medicine
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Anorectal agenesis is a congenital condition often presenting with associated fistulas.
- These fistulas commonly connect to the urinary tract (bladder, urethra) or vagina.
Observation:
- Sonography is a key imaging modality in prenatal diagnostics.
- The presence of meconium, a fetal intestinal byproduct, within the fetal bladder is an unusual sonographic finding.
Findings:
- The sonographic identification of a meconium concretion within the fetal bladder is a significant indicator.
- This finding strongly suggests the presence of an enterovesical fistula, a connection between the bowel and the bladder.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of enterovesical fistula is crucial for appropriate surgical planning.
- This sonographic sign can improve the detection rate of anorectal malformations with urinary tract involvement.
- Improved prenatal diagnosis can lead to better perinatal management and outcomes for affected infants.
Abstract:
Anorectal agenesis is usually associated with a fistula to the bladder, urethra, or vagina. The sonographic detection of a meconium concretion in the fetal bladder strongly suggests the presence of an enterovesical fistula.