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Fetal small bowel simulating an abdominal mass at sonography
Author(s) -
Manco Lawrence G.,
Nunan Francis A.,
Sohnen Howard,
Jacobs Edward J.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
journal of clinical ultrasound
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.272
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1097-0096
pISSN - 0091-2751
DOI - 10.1002/jcu.1870140516
Subject(s) - medicine , abdomen , fetus , abdominal mass , homogeneous , gestation , gastrointestinal tract , radiology , bowel obstruction , anatomy , pregnancy , physics , genetics , thermodynamics , biology
Abstract A focal, well‐marginated, homogeneous hyperechoic mass was identified within the fetal abdomen of five early gestations varying in age from 16 to 20 weeks ECA (estimated conceptual age). Initially, the possibility of a congenital abdominal tumor mass was raised. Serial sonography subsequently demonstrated progressive dissolution of the masses, each of which assumed the characteristic appearance of normal small bowel by 30 weeks ECA. The recognition of this normal fetal small bowel maturation pattern is important lest it be confused with congenital retroperitoneal or gastrointestinal tract abnormalities.