Prenatal ultrasonographic findings associated with short bowel syndrome in two fetuses with gastroschisis.

Background: Studies on the importance of prenatal ultrasonographic findings in gastroschisis have shown variable significance in predicting neonatal outcome. We report two cases of short bowel syndrome and poor neonatal outcome that had interesting prenatal ultrasonographic findings.

Methods: Gastroschisis was confirmed in both cases. Throughout gestation, the extra-abdominal bowel remained unchanged in size, hyperechoic, and clustered. Amniotic fluid volume increased with increasing intra-abdominal bowel dilation. Both fetuses were delivered prematurely and found to have short bowel syndrome incompatible with life.

Conclusions: Prenatal ultrasonographic findings of hyperechoic and clustered extra-abdominal bowel with progressive intra-abdominal bowel dilation and associated polyhydramnios may be indicative of high bowel obstruction, atresia, and poor neonatal outcome. Families should be counseled cautiously.