Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Weerakkody Y, Sandhyala A, Di Muzio B, et al. Fetal cholelithiasis. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 19 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-13759
Fetal cholelithiasis refers to formation of gallstones in utero.
There occurrence is thought to be relatively common and is estimated at 1 in 300 pregnancies. They are almost always seen in the 3rd trimester 1. There may be slightly greater male predilection 7.
Associations
- hemolytic conditions of the newborn
- maternal hemolytic anemia(s)
Antenatal ultrasound
They may be seen as cluster of minute echogenic juxta-hepatic foci at the expected position of the gallbladder. Shadowing as well as comet tail artifacts may also be seen.
In the context of gallbladder sludge, the gallbladder may be diffusely echogenic. It may be sometimes difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish true sludge from multiple small stones 11.
In most cases, they are not thought to be of much concern with most resolving within the 1st year of life.
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For calcific foci closely abutting the liver consider
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11. Petrikovsky B, Klein V, Holsten N. Sludge in fetal gallbladder: natural history and neonatal outcome. Br J Radiol. 1996;69 (827): 1017-8. doi:10.1259/0007-1285-69-827-1017 - Pubmed citation
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