Fetal bowel calcifications: a sign of anal atresia with rectourethral fistula

J Clin Ultrasound. 2010 Jul;38(6):332-4. doi: 10.1002/jcu.20706.

Abstract

Fetal bowel calcifications were observed at 24 weeks of gestation in a male fetus, suggesting an anorectal malformation (ARM) with rectourethral fistula. At birth, the newborn presented with complex ARM including anal atresia, rectourethral fistula, and esophageal atresia. The prenatal sonographic visualization of calcifications within distended bowel should raise the suspicion of ARM including anal atresia and rectourethral fistula, the presence of such calcification depending on the timing of onset of fistula formation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / diagnostic imaging
  • Abnormalities, Multiple / surgery
  • Adult
  • Anus, Imperforate / complications
  • Anus, Imperforate / diagnostic imaging*
  • Anus, Imperforate / surgery
  • Calcinosis / complications
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Esophageal Fistula / complications
  • Esophageal Fistula / surgery
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetal Diseases / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intestines / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestines / surgery
  • Male
  • Rectal Fistula / complications
  • Rectal Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / methods*
  • Urethral Diseases / complications
  • Urethral Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Urethral Diseases / surgery
  • Urinary Fistula / complications
  • Urinary Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Urinary Fistula / surgery