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Distention of the fetal duodenum: abnormal finding?
Author(s) -
Levine D,
Goldstein R B,
Cadrin C
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of ultrasound in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1550-9613
pISSN - 0278-4297
DOI - 10.7863/jum.1998.17.4.213
Subject(s) - duodenum , medicine , fetus , duodenal atresia , gastroenterology , pregnancy , atresia , biology , genetics
We investigated whether a fluid‐filled duodenum is observed in normal fetuses. In part 1 of the study a view in the region of the duodenum was obtained during routine obstetric ultrasonography from 123 low‐risk patients. All examinations demonstrated a collapsed duodenum. No gastrointestinal abnormalities were found in these infants. In part 2 of the study, 1163 fetuses (both high‐risk and low‐risk) were evaluated with real‐time scanning, and duodenal fluid without a "double bubble" was seen in one fetus who had a duodenal web. We conclude that a nondistended fetal duodenum is the norm. If fetal duodenal dilation is visualized, this may allow for earlier detection of duodenal obstructions.