Antenatal diagnosis of fetal cholelithiasis

Abstract

Fetal cholelithiasis is extremely rare and there are few reported cases in the literature. Most cases are thought to develop in late pregnancy and while some may be identified during a third trimester scan, others will remain undetected. Although cholelithiasis is not a life-threatening condition, other more serious pathologies must be excluded first. We describe an example of cholelithiasis in a male fetus in the third trimester. Ultrasound appearances, differential diagnoses and postnatal outcome are discussed.