Isolated abdominal wall defect with complete liver herniation without a covering or remnant membrane: an ominous sign: case report and review of literature

Abstract

Complete liver herniation in abdominal wall defects without a membrane is rare and its prognosis is not well documented. We present a case diagnosed at 12 weeks of gestation. At 27 weeks, a C-section was performed for fetal distress. The infant proved impossible to ventilate and died. In literature, 16 similar cases are described of whom 14 died in the neonatal period and two in infancy. This suggests that herniation of the complete liver in isolated abdominal wall defects without a remnant membrane is lethal and counselling should be provided accordingly.

• Abdominal wall defect
• gastroschisis
• liver herniation
• prognosis
• ruptured exomphalos
• ruptured omphalocele