This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Stephenson, S. R. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Sonographic Signs of Midgut Malformations Due to Ventral Wall Defects

Philips Ultrasound, Global Education, 1933 169th Pl SE, Bothell, WA 98012.wabearpaw{at}yahoo.com

The primitive gut begins development within the fourth week of gestation. Embryonic folding toward the midline results in the fusion of the abdominal wall on the midline. Fusion failure results in an abdominal defect that allows the abdominal organs to protrude into the amniotic fluid either with or without a covering membrane. Prenatal testing includes determining the levels of •-fetoprotein (MS-AFP) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with abnormal levels raising suspicion for congenital defects of the brain, spine, or abdomen. Sonography is a valuable tool in diagnosing abdominal wall defects as an isolated defect or part of a syndrome.

Key Words: omphalocele • gastroschisis • anterior abdominal wall defect • pentalogy of Cantrell • Beckwith-Weidemann syndrome • limb-body wall complex • cord insertion • physiologic bowel herniation • •-fetoprotein • acetylcholinesterase (AChE)

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?