Objective: To determine the association of isolated non-visualization of fetal gallbladder(NVFGB) in the second-trimester ultrasound examination with perinatal outcomes. Methods: Clinical data of fetuses with isolated NVFGB diagnosed in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed from January 2013 to July 2016. Postnatal follow-up was also conducted, and outcomes of interest were emphatically observed. Results: During the study period, totally 37 fetuses were successfully followed up, nine of which had additional anomalies and(or) abnormal karyotypes. In three of the 28 isolated cases, the pregnancy was terminated. The remaining 25 fetuses were delivered, 24 were normal, while 1 had adverse outcomes: thyroid aplasia, no cases of biliary atresia were found. In 17 of the 25 isolated fetuses delivered, the gallbladder was eventually seen in follow-up sonograms later in gestation or on neonatal ultrasound. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is an effective method for prenatal diagnosis and follow-up observation of NVFGB. When it is isolated, the outcome is good. Evaluation of NVFGB should include repeated ultrasound scans, amniocentesis for karyotype and biochemical test, as well as parental genetic screening.
Key words
Fetal development /
Ultrasonography, prenatal
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