Complete large bowel duplication with paraduodenal cyst: prenatal sonographic features

Objectives To illustrate diagnostic dilemmas while considering a diagnosis of complete large bowel duplication and duodenal duplication cysts. Methods A case of large bowel dilatation with a peripancreatic cyst was identified sonographically in a 27‐year‐old gravida 3 at 35 weeks of gestation, suffering from gestational diabetes and pregnancy‐induced hypertension. Results On the basis of sonographic findings of dilated, hyperperistaltic large bowel loops, and a large cyst with echo‐free contents near the pancreas, a diagnosis of large bowel obstruction with a paraduodenal cyst was considered. The findings were confirmed after postnatal ultrasonography. At the time of surgery, it proved to be a completely duplicated large bowel with a paraduodenal cyst. Conclusion Prenatal findings of a hugely dilated, hyperperistaltic large bowel should lead one to suspect/consider large bowel duplication. Associated cysts are likely to be bowel duplication cysts. Timely intervention can thus obviate potentially serious complications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.