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Fetal gallstones
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Leeds General Infirmary, England.
Insights
Fetal gallbladder cholelithiasis (gallstones) can be detected via ultrasound in late pregnancy, particularly in male fetuses. This condition often resolves spontaneously after birth, with most infants remaining asymptomatic.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Gallbladder cholelithiasis (gallstones) is uncommon in fetuses.
- Prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies is crucial for early management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the occurrence and outcomes of fetal gallbladder cholelithiasis detected sonographically.
- To characterize the natural history and sonographic findings of this condition.
Main Methods:
- Sonographic examination of three male fetuses in late gestation.
- Postnatal follow-up including serial sonography and clinical assessment.
Main Results:
- Fetal gallbladder cholelithiasis was identified in three male fetuses.
- Two cases showed spontaneous resolution by 6 weeks postnatal age.
- One case had a persistent gallbladder calculus at 6 months, with all patients remaining asymptomatic.
Conclusions:
- Sonographic detection of fetal gallbladder cholelithiasis is possible in late gestation.
- The condition appears more prevalent in males and often resolves spontaneously.
- Fetal gallbladder cholelithiasis is frequently associated with a benign clinical course.
Abstract:
Three male fetuses examined sonographically in late gestation to assess growth and well-being were found to have evidence of gallbladder cholelithiasis. Postnatally, all three were asymptomatic but they had variable sonographic findings. In two, the abnormalities noted sonographically had resolved spontaneously by 6 weeks of age, but the third patient had a persistent gallbladder "calculus" at 6 months. All three boys, now aged 9 months to 4 years, remain well, with no evidence of biliary tract disease. Sonographic evidence of fetal gallbladder cholelithiasis may be found in late gestation, is more common among boys, and frequently is associated with benign spontaneous resolution.