Case of the Week # 88

D. Thomas°, J.P. Goolaerts*, L. Watkins°, C. Autin°, P. Barlow*

February 7-20, 2003

° Hôpitaux Iris Sud, Bruxelles Belgium * Hôpital Universitaire St Pierre Brussel Belgium

A 27-year-old G1P0 presented at 33 weeks 6 days of gestation. Chief complaint was absence of fetal movement for the last 24 hours. This pregnancy had been uneventful until then.

This is the non-stress test performed after admission.

fig1 (2)

An ultrasound examination showed the following images of the fetal abdomen, which was in the 95th centile for gestational age. All the other measurements in the fetal biometry were in normal ranges for gestational age. There is also a short video-clip available

fig2 (2)
fig3 (2)

The middle cerebral artery velocimetry (peak systolic velocity of 87 cm/sec) provided another diagnosis besides the one provided by the previous images.

fig4 (1)
fig4 (2)

Can you give both diagnoses?

View the Answer Hide the Answer

Answer

A 27-year-old G1P0 presented at 33 weeks 6 days of gestation.Chief complaint was abscence of fetal movement for tha last 24 hours. This pregnancy had been uneventful until then.

This is the non-stress test performed after admission showed signs of fetal distress (late decelerations and fetal tachycardia). Also, the sinusoidal pattern of the fetal heart rate long term variability suggested fetal anemia, which was later confirmed with middle cerebral artery Doppler Velocimetry. (So fetal anemia was the one of the two diagnosis)

fig1 (2)

An ultrasound examination showed the following images of the fetal abdomen. A convoluted mass is seen in the  midabdomen. It had the typical aspect of a whirlpool or snail configuration, without any peristalsis. The color/power Doppler failed to find any signal in the center of the whirlpool image.

fig2 (2)
fig3 (2)

Middle cerebral artery velocimetry provided another diagnosis besides the one provided by the previous images.

fig4 (1)
fig4 (2)

So, the two answers were:

Midgut volvulus  with probably fetal anemia

Discussion Board

Start a discussion about this case
Add to Favorites Favorite

Menu