FETAL ABDOMEN USG

Dr Mohit Goel

30/04/2013

When the stomach appears small or absent, it is important to allow sufficient

time for it to fill, in case it has recently emptied. Generally, the stomach will fill

during a 30 minute examination.

The classic “double bubble” sign of a second echo-lucent mass medial to the stomach

(in a transverse view of fetal abdomen) is considered diagnostic of duodenal

obstruction.

This image represents the dilated duodenum proximal to the atretic area.

Jejunal atresias, however, are more likely to be multiple and less often

associated with in utero perforation than ileal atresias, likely because of the

lower compliance of the ileum.

Diagnosis of jejunoileal obstructionis based on dilated loops of bowel, most

frequently without a dilated stomach and sometimes with hyperperistalsis.

If peristalsis is not observed, dilated small bowel can be difficult to distinguish

from dilated colon.

The diagnosis of jejunoileal atresia is typically not made until late in the second

trimester, when the bowel dilates.

Polyhydramnios is less common in lower bowel obstructions than in duodenal

atresia, not occurring in any reported ileal atresias,but occurring in one third of

jejunal atresias.

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