Antenatal Ultrasound

25-year-old patient presents for antenatal ultrasound.

Figure 1. 3D ultrasound shows herniation of abdominal organs through defect in anterior abdominal wall, contents are contained by a membrane.

Figure 2. 3D ultrasound shows herniation of abdominal organs through defect in anterior abdominal wall, contents are contained by a membrane.

Figure 3. 3D ultrasound shows herniation of abdominal organs through defect in anterior abdominal wall, contents are contained by a membrane.

Figure 4. 3D ultrasound shows herniation of abdominal organs through defect in anterior abdominal wall, contents are contained by a membrane.

Figure 5. 3D ultrasound shows herniation of abdominal organs through defect in anterior abdominal wall, contents are contained by a membrane.

Figure 6. 3D ultrasound shows herniation of abdominal organs through defect in anterior abdominal wall, contents are contained by a membrane.

Figure 7. 2D ultrasound image shows a herniated wall defined sac interior to abdominal wall.

Diagnosis: Omphalocele

Omphaloceles (or exomphalos) are congenital midline abdominal wall defects at the base of the umbilical cord insertion with herniation of gut (or occasionally other content) out of the fetal abdomen.

Isolated cases are often sporadic.

Chromosomal anomalies may occur.

Serological markers include raised maternal alpha feto protein (MSAFP).

Smaller omphaloceles are thought to carry a worse prognosis due to increased risk of associated abnormalities.

Differential diagnoses include gastroschisis, limb-body wall complex, and umbilical hernia.