Prenatal Sonographic Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Fetal Small Bowel Volvulus

Background The purpose of this research is to explore prenatal ultrasound features and clinical managements of fetal small bowel volvulus. At present, researchers mainly focus on the prenatal ultrasound features of fetal small bowel volvulus, and rarely summarize them in combination with the principles of clinical treatment. Methods 11 cases of fetal small bowel volvulus identified by prenatal ultrasound or neonatal surgery in our institution between January 2019 and January 2021 were included. General characteristics of pregnant women, features of prenatal ultrasound, clinical managements and prognosis of neonates were collected. Finally, prenatal ultrasound features and obstetric managements of fetal volvulus was summarized. Results At the first diagnosis, the whirlpool sign and intestinal dilatation were visualized in 11 cases. 3 cases underwent emergency caesarean because of the disappearance of dilated bowel peristalsis, massive ascites and fetal intrauterine hypoxia. The rest 8 cases were followed up by ultrasound, pregnancy outcomes were four regressed intrauterine spontaneously and delivered at term, two underwent emergency caesarean, one premature and one induced labor. 6 cases underwent neonatal surgery immediately after birth and received favorable outcomes.Conclusions Intestinal distention and the whirlpool sign are important ultrasonic features in the diagnosis of fetal small bowel volvulus. The disappearance of intestinal peristalsis of the volvulus segment, massive ascites and intrauterine hypoxia are the main basis for emergency prenatal clinical intervention.