title: Early sonographic detection of fetal intestinal obstruction and possible diagnostic pitfalls.
abstract: We present five fetuses at 15-17 weeks' gestation with a sonographic diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Dilation of the intestine was the presenting sonographic finding in fetuses with a volvulus and/or anal atresia. Two of the fetuses also had other abnormalities. Intestinal peristalsis may be observed in early pregnancy as transient dilation of intestinal segments. Sonographers are cautioned about a false-positive diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in such cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Medical Center, Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bronshtein
authors.forename: E Z
authors.initials: EZ
authors.lastname: Zimmer
mesh_terms: D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007422:Intestines / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*