1.1 INTRODUCTION: Fetal anterior abdominal wall defect (AAWD) is an important finding of antenatal ultrasonography; the etiology of which ranges from ‘physiological’ or ‘an isolated anomaly’ to ‘polymalformative syndromes’ and ‘lethal complex malformations’. One must be aware of several crucial predictors of viability and prognosis. A detailed ultrasound examination is required to exclude co-existent structural anomalies (especially cardiac) and for consideration of karyotyping. 1.2 THE LEARNING OBJECTIVES OF THIS POSTER ARE: A systematic approach to AAWD in a clinical setting with prenatal ultrasonography An overview...

2.1 EMBRYOLOGY: Normal development of anterior abdominal wall depends on the fusion of four ecto-mesodermic folds- cephalic, caudal and two lateral. This process begins by the 6th week and is completed by the 8th week of gestation. Failure of these folds to migrate centrally results in different types of anterior abdominal wall defects. [1] (Table 1) Abnormal involution of right umbilical vein (normally occurring in 6th-7th week) or vascular accident involving omphalo-mesenteric artery (considered less likely) are the two mechanisms proposed for Gastroschisis. Complete failure...

The most important consideration in any antenatal imaging is to identify presence of or increased risk of fetal anomaly, additional timely intervention, decision about continuation/ safe termination of gestation, planning for safe delivery for the mother and child and post natal care thereafter. Since several crucial decisions are based on a positive screen, it is imperative to produce accurate and consistent diagnosis of fetal anomalies. Key diagnostic features that are close differential diagnosis are provided in a tabular form as an easy comparison tool. Key...

Prognosis depends on the size of the anterior abdominal wall defects and associated anomalies. Categorization of these defects using antenatal sonography can help advance counseling regarding medical and surgical treatment. Maternal morbidity and mortality related to termination may be reduced by an early diagnosis. In the absence of any severe abnormalities, serial ultrasonography can help monitor fetal growth and assess any likely complications. Thus, having a well-informed radiologist in a multidisciplinary team will help achieve optimal patient care.

Agarwal R. Prenatal diagnosis of anterior abdominal wall defects: Pictorial essay. Ind J Radiol Imag 15:3:361-372 Langman’s Essential Medical Embryology ACR practice guidelines for the performance of antepartum obstetrical ultrasound, 2003. Avialable at www.ACR.org Terminology and expectations for ultrasound examinations used in obstetrics. SOGC Clinical Practice Guidelines, No. 65, July 1997 Van Zalen-Spreock RM, van Vugt JMG, van Geijn HP. First-trimester sonography of physiological midgut herniation and early diagnosis of omphalocele. Prenat Diagn. 1997; 17:511-18 Timor-Tritsch IE, Warren W, Peisner DB, Pirrone E. First-trimester midgut...