Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 2, Issue 5 219-222, Copyright © 1983 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
The ultrasonographic spectrum of fetal omphalocele
R. M. Schaffer, C. Barone and A. P. Friedman
Four cases of fetal omphalocele diagnosed in utero by ultrasonography
represent variations in the sonographic appearance of this rare anomaly. A
possible pathogenesis of omphalocele is presented, with a discussion of the
associated complications and the effect of diagnosing omphalocele
prenatally on the management of the pregnancy itself. The association
between fetal omphalocele and elevated alpha-fetoprotein is significant,
and may prompt a search for a small omphalocele that would otherwise be
missed on a routine obstetric sonogram. The differentiation of omphalocele
from gastroschisis is difficult, yet the two anomalies can be reliably
differentiated sonographically.
