[Echogenic material in fetal gallbladder: prenatal diagnosis and postnatal follow-up]

Abstract

Objective: To study the prevalence of echogenic material in fetal gallbladder and to analyze its pathological relevance, the perinatal factors involved and the postnatal outcome of detected cases.

Patients and methods: We performed a prospective study of ultrasonographic examination of 9235 fetuses in the third trimester of gestation. Perinatal data were collected. Postnatal ultrasonography was performed in identified cases.

Results: Fetal biliary echogenic material was found in 0.45 % of all pregnancies, with 42 identified fetuses. A single echogenic image was found in four fetuses (9 %), two or more echogenic images were found in seven fetuses (17 %) and biliary sludge was found in 31 fetuses (74 %). All diagnoses were made between weeks 29 and 38 of gestation. No link was found with maternal factors or perinatal abnormalities. Postnatal follow-up was carried out in 39 neonates; of these, five neonates (13 %) showed biliary sludge, although all five were asymptomatic. In further follow-up examinations, ultrasound studies were normal.

Conclusions: Fetal biliary echogenic material was found in one out of every 200 fetuses. No relationship was found with perinatal abnormalities. The prognosis of fetal gallstones and biliary sludge is favorable.