The Sonographic Features of Malformation in Fetal Echogenic Bowel and Its Relationship With Chromosome Abnormalities

The aims of this study were to analyze the sonographic features and clinical prognosis of fetal echogenic bowel (FEB) and to evaluate the value of FEB in the prediction of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Eight hundred eighty-two fetuses with FEB were selected. The ultrasonographic features and the chromosomal examination were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 882 FEB, 272 (30.8%) cases had malformation. The most common malformation was cardiovascular malformation (21.6%), followed by urinary malformation (9.0%), craniocerebral malformation (6.8%), and gastrointestinal malformations (5.6%). According to other combined ultrasound abnormalities, the FEBs were divided into 4 groups: isolated FEB group (490 cases), ultrasound soft indicators group (130 cases), single malformation group (117 cases), and multiple malformation group (145 cases). A total of 45 cases (5.1%) were detected with chromosomal abnormalities. Compared with isolated FEB group, the rate of chromosomal abnormality in other 3 groups was significantly higher. Among 490 cases of isolated FEB, 114 cases of isolated FEB group with adverse pregnancy outcomes were selected as the experimental group, and 376 cases of FEB group with good prognosis were selected as the control group. There were significant differences of the location, shape, intensity, and progression between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that central location and progression of FEB were independent risk predictors of poor prognosis. The combined malformation rate is high for FEB fetuses. The fetal systems should be carefully examined when FEB is found in prenatal ultrasound.