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VOLUME 15 , ISSUE 4 ( October-December, 2021 ) > List of Articles

CASE SERIES

Fetal Cholelithiasis: A Case Series of Antenatal Sonographic Diagnosis with Review of Literature

Priya Kapahi, Abhiraj Kakkar

Keywords : Echogenic foci, Fetal cholelithiasis, Fetal gall bladder

Citation Information : Kapahi P, Kakkar A. Fetal Cholelithiasis: A Case Series of Antenatal Sonographic Diagnosis with Review of Literature. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2021; 15 (4):407-410.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10009-1815

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 31-12-2021

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2021; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim and objective: To evaluate the antenatal diagnosis of fetal cholelithiasis with postnatal outcome. Background: Fetal cholelithiasis and/or echogenic sludge in the gallbladder is an infrequent ultrasonographic finding seen as echogenic material with or without posterior acoustic shadowing. Fetal cholelithiasis is most commonly seen during the third trimester of pregnancy. In the majority of cases, fetal cholelithiasis/sludge shows spontaneous resolution within a few months of postnatal life. But, it is very important to assure that echogenic foci are present inside the gallbladder lumen to rule out other causes of right upper quadrant echogenicities. Use of 3-dimensional (3D) scan can aid in the diagnosis of fetal cholelithiasis. Case description: Through this case series, four cases of fetal cholelithiasis were followed up in their postnatal period to evaluate the outcome. Clinical significance: A case of fetal cholelithiasis should be followed for an adequate time frame before thinking on the grounds of surgical management. Conclusion: Unlike adult cholelithiasis, fetal cholelithiasis shows a benign course with self-resolution.

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