Imaging Evaluation of Fetal Abdominal Wall Defects: A Radiological Perspective

Abstract

: Abdominal wall defects (AWDs) in foetuses range in severity from mild conditions like umbilical cord hernia to complex syndromes such as limb–body wall syndrome. Accurate evaluation of the defect in relation to the umbilical cord insertion site is crucial for proper diagnosis. The most frequently occurring defects are gastroschisis and omphalocele, while rarer conditions include exstrophy complex, pentalogy of Cantrell, and limb–body wall syndrome. Although all these defects involve the herniation of viscera through the anterior body wall, they differ significantly in their imaging characteristics and postnatal treatment approaches. Accurate diagnosis of each condition is essential for effective prenatal counselling and appropriate postnatal management. This paper explores various foetal abdominal wall defects and provides diagnostic tips to aid in their identification.