Fetal anterior abdominal wall herniations: ultrasonographic diagnosis

Gastroschisis and omphalocele are congenital abdominal wall herniations. Both are characterized by evisceratin of bowel loops, and additionally, especially in omphalocele, liver and occasionally other organs. The bowel loops present ultrasonographically as cystic masses in relation to the fetal abdomen. Sometimes the walls are thickened due to the inflammation from exposure to amniotic fluid. Ultrasonographic identification of herniated liver (omphalocele) indicates potential complex abnormalities of other organ systems, as opposed to gastroschisis, which is usually an isolated abnormality. The two entities are frequently difficult to distinguish ultrasonographically, and in fact, the surgical treatment is the same for both entities. Early diagnosis will facilitate team planning, and probable Cesarean section to avoid damage to exposed bowel loops. A case of gastroschisis and 2 cases omphalocele are presented.