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Intestinal atresia caused by second trimester amniocentesis. Case report
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|May 1, 1981
Summary
A mid-trimester amniocentesis revealed fetal intestinal tissue in the amniotic fluid. Post-mortem examination of the aborted fetus showed significant gastrointestinal and urinary tract abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure.
- Intrauterine fetal abnormalities can sometimes manifest in amniotic fluid findings.
Observation:
- Fetal intestinal mucosa and submucosa were identified in an amniotic fluid sample during mid-trimester amniocentesis.
- The fetus was electively aborted 21 days post-procedure.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed ileal atresia, a severe congenital intestinal obstruction.
- Additional findings included fibrous adhesions, bilateral hydronephrosis, and kinked ureters, indicating complex fetal anomalies.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for amniotic fluid analysis to detect fetal intestinal abnormalities.
- The presence of intestinal tissue may serve as an indicator for underlying fetal gastrointestinal and genitourinary malformations.
- Further investigation into the diagnostic utility of detecting fetal tissue in amniotic fluid is warranted.