clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
There is no peritoneal sac so that antenatal evisceration of the abdominal content occurs through the abdominal wall defect throughout intrauterine life.
Amniotic fluid frequently irritates the exposed bowel wall causing a chemical peritonitis characterised by a thickened oedematised membrane which is occassionally exudative.
The exposed viscera
- appears foreshortened.
- overed with gelatinous exudates, matted together, and/or is edematous due to its exposure to amniotic fluid and compression of the mesenteric blood supply at the defect (1)
- nonrotation is normal.
Evisceration of the liver is rare but in females, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may be found outside the defect.
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