title: Fetal cholelithiasis: a diagnostic update and a literature review.
abstract: Fetal gallstones and cholelithiasis, detected by routine third trimester ultrasound, have been described in the literature with controversial clinical significance. We report a case of fetal cholelithiasis detected at 35 weeks gestation during a routine scan. The diagnosis was performed using an integrated 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound approach in order to obtain a better definition of the fetal gallbladder and its content. A neonatal follow-up was achieved. The present study has a twofold purpose: firstly, to update the diagnostic approach using the innovative 3-D modalities and secondly, to review the management of this condition during fetal and postnatal life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Triunfo
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rosati
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ferrara
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gatto
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scambia
keywords: fetal cholelithiasis; management; prenatal diagnosis; third trimester; ultrasound