Patient's question:
Ultrasound findings at 12 weeks of pregnancy with a fetus: A fetus was observed in the cavity, with a CRL of approximately 55 mm. Fetal heartbeat and fetal movement were visible. There was a disruption in the fetal abdominal wall echo, and abdominal organs were floating in the amniotic fluid. I would like to know if it is still possible to continue the pregnancy if the fetal abdominal wall defect is discovered at 31 weeks.Doctor's answer:
Gastroschisis is a congenital defect of the abdominal wall development. It is a rare malformation characterized by a full-thickness defect in the abdominal wall near the umbilical cord, through which the internal organs protrude. The incidence of this disease varies by country but is most commonly found in low birth weight infants. After birth, the small intestine may be observed protruding from the abdominal wall defect near the umbilical cord, with the mesentery being free, the intestines congested, edematous, thickened, and covered with fibrin exudate, leading to adhesions between the intestinal tubes. If prenatal diagnosis is confirmed, the pregnancy can continue, and immediate surgery after birth can achieve good therapeutic results.