Analysis of characteristic features in ultrasound diagnosis of fetal limb body wall complex during 11-13(+6) weeks

BACKGROUND: Limb body wall complex (LBWC) is a fatal malformation characterized by major defects in the fetal abdominal or thoracic wall, visceral herniation, significant scoliosis or spina bifida, limb deformities, craniofacial deformities, and umbilical cord abnormalities (short or absent umbilical cord). Early diagnosis of this condition is of great clinical significance for clinical intervention and pregnancy decision-making. With the rapid development of fetal ultrasound medicine, early pregnancy (11-13(+6) wk) standardized prenatal ultrasound examinations have been widely promoted and applied. AIM: To explore the value of prenatal ultrasound in the diagnosis of fetal LBWC syndrome during early pregnancy. METHODS: The ultrasonographic data and follow-up results of 18 cases of fetal LBWC diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound during early pregnancy (11-13(+6) wk) were retrospectively analyzed, and their ultrasonographic characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 18 fetuses with limb wall abnormalities, there were spinal dysplasia (18/18, 100%), varying degrees of thoracoschisis and gastroschisis (18/18, 100%), limb dysplasia in 6 cases (6/18, 33%), craniocerebral malformations in 4 cases (4/18, 22%), thickening of the transparent layer of the neck in 5 cases (5/18, 28%), and umbilical cord abnormalities in 18 cases (18/18, 100%), single umbilical artery in 5 cases. CONCLUSION: Prenatal ultrasound in early pregnancy can detect LBWC as early as possible, and correct prenatal evaluation provides important guidance value for pregnancy decision-making and early intervention.