Prenatal diagnosis of fetal digestive tract atresia with ultrasound

Objective To assess the clinical value of prenatal ultrasound in diagnosing fetal digestive tract atresia. Methods Prenatal ultrasound images and anatomic characteristics of 22 fetuses with digestive tract atresia were retrospectively analyzed. Results Twenty-four digestive tract atresia in 22 fetuses (2 fetuses with esophagus and anal atresia simultaneously) were proved with autopsy,whereas 3 esophagus atresia,4 duodenal atresia,3 jejunal-iliac atresia and 3 anal atresia were detected with prenatal ultrasound,and the ultrasonic detectable rate was 54.17%. Four esophagus atresia,1 pyloric atresia and 6 anal atresia were not diagnosed with prenatal ultrasound. Conclusion Prenatal ultrasound is a convenient method to diagnose fetal digestive tract atresia. Dynamic examination,especially in third trimester and systemic observation are helpful to reduce misdiagnosis.