Nonvisualization of the fetal gallbladder: frequency and prognostic importance.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of fetal gallbladder visualization through gestation and to determine the prognostic importance of nonvisualization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demonstration of the gallbladder was prospectively attempted in 578 consecutive second- and third-trimester obstetric ultrasound examinations. Data regarding gallbladder visualization were stratified into subgroups on the basis of estimated gestational age. Postnatal follow-up was performed in 80 fetuses with nonvisualization of the gallbladder. RESULTS: The gallbladder was seen on 477 of 578 (82.5%) fetal sonograms. The likelihood of gallbladder visualization increased with advancing gestational age, reaching a plateau of approximately 95% between 24 and 32 weeks. After 32 weeks, the frequency of visualization declined. Seventy-five of the 80 fetuses with nonvisualized gallbladders who underwent follow-up had normal outcomes. Except for one fetus with trisomy 21, all fetuses with abnormalities had relatively minor, non-life threatening problems that did not involve the gallbladder or biliary tract. CONCLUSION: Most fetuses with nonvisualization of the gallbladder have normal outcomes. The rate of nonvisualization of the fetal gallbladder is sufficiently high to undermine the utility of gallbladder visualization as a screen for fetal abnormality.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Hertzberg, BS; Kliewer, MA; Maynor, C; McNally, PJ; Bowie, JD; Kay, HH; Hage, ML; Livingston, E
Published Date
- June 1996
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 199 / 3
Start / End Page
- 679 - 682
PubMed ID
- 8637986
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0033-8419
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1148/radiology.199.3.8637986
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States