Evaluation and screening ultrasonic signs in the diagnosis of fetal biliary cystic malformation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and screen for fetal biliary cystic malformation (BCM) associated-ultrasonic key signs or sign-combinations.

Methods: Thirty cases of fetal abdominal cysts were investigated, followed up and divided into BCM and non-BCM groups. Expression rates of seven fetal BCM-associated ultrasonic signs in the two groups (A: the cyst was located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, B: located beneath the porta hepatis, C: having no septum, D: not the gallbladder, E: connected to the gallbladder, F: connected to the hepatic ducts, G: its inferior portion ended in the epigastric region, anterior to the spinal column) were compared. The diagnostic efficacy of single signs and sign-combinations was evaluated by diagnostic test.

Results: The expressions of Sign A and Sign D had no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Single sign of B, F and G had diagnostic efficacy. The diagnostic index of B reached 1.8571. The diagnostic index of the sign-combinations B and D, F or G, and E or F or G reached 2.0000.

Conclusion: When the fetal cyst was located beneath the porta hepatis and was not the gallbladder, BCM could be diagnosed. Sign G might be another significant ultrasonic sign in BCM prenatal diagnosis.

• Biliary cystic malformation
• choledochal cyst
• cystic biliary atresia
• diagnostic test
• prenatal diagnosis

Acknowledgements

We thank M.D. Yi Zhang, Ning Zhong, Jian Wang, Pengfei Zhang, Guowei Tao, Zhe Ma and all our colleagues for their sincere help in preparing this manuscript. Thanks to Dr Edward C. Mignot, Shandong University, for linguistic advice. We also like to extend our appreciation to Mrs Xinmei Pang for invaluable assistance in document retrieval.

Declaration of interest

This work was supported by the Science and Technology Research Project (2013) of Shandong Province Population and Family Planning Commission. The authors report no conflicts of interest.