ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the accuracy of prenatal sonographic detection of fetal gastrointestinal(GI) anomalies and to present perinatal outcome of fetal GI anomalies, incidence of polyhydramnios, other malformations and chromosomal abnormalities associated with fetal GI anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prenatal sonographic results were compared with GI anomalies found in 32 neonates during recent 8 years. 32 cases of fetal GI anomalies were divided into three groups based on the level of obstruction and complication; group 1: upper GI obstruction(4 esophageal, 5 duodenal and 8 ileojejunal atresia); group 2: lower GI obstruction(1 colonal, 9 anorectal atresia); group 3: GI obstruction with secondary complication(1 ascites, 2 meconium peritonitis, 2 meconium pseudocyst). RESULTS: The accurate prenatal sonographic detection rate of fetal GI anomalies was 70.6% in group 1 and 100% in group 3 and there was no detection in group 2. False positive diagnosis was made in 5 cases(2: esophageal atresia, 3:ileojejunal atresia), but none of them except one case of multiple cardiac anomalies confirmed by autopsy, was followed by termination of pregnancy. Polyhydramnios was significantly associated with group 1 and associated malformations with group 2. An abnormal karyotype existed in three out of 32(1 case of trisomy 18 in esophageal atresia, 2 cases of trisomy 21, each one in duodenal and anorectal atresia). Survival rate of group 1, 2, 3 were 76%, 25%, and 40% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The upper GI anomalies were easily detected by prenatal sonographic examination and had a good prognosis. But, the lower GI anomalies were difficult to diagnose prenatally and had a poor prognosis. Therefore, further efforts to diagnose for lower GI anomalies should be performed.