Abstract

Fetal abdominal wall defects (AWDs) refer to a variety of congenital anomalies characterized by the incomplete clo­sure or disruption of the abdominal wall in the early stages of embryonic development. Based on the 2011 Euro­pean Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) re­port, the general prevalence of fetal abdominal wall de­fects is documented to be six cases per 10,000 births. AWDs pose significant challenges for prenatal diagnosis and manage­ment. Ultrasound has emerged as an indispensable tool in diagnosing and characterizing various abdominal wall defects early in pregnancy, enabling precise prenatal coun­seling and appropriate antenatal management stra­te­gies. This article provides a general review of the spe­cia­lized literature regarding various types of abdominal wall de­fects, such as omphalocele, gastroschisis, pentalogy of Cantrell, bladder exstrophy, and limb body wall complex, high­lighting the significant sonographic features observed du­ring ultrasound examination. Additionally, differential diag­noses are explored, emphasizing the importance of ac­cu­rately distinguishing between these conditions to en­sure optimal management strategies. This article aims to en­hance the understanding and familiarity of ultrasound prac­ti­tio­ners and obstetricians with the spectrum of fetal ab­do­mi­nal wall defects and their prenatal sonographic ap­pea­rance, thus facilitating improved prenatal care and patients’ counseling.

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