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What Does Echogenic Bowels At 18 Week Scan Suggest?
Question: I had a scan at 18.4 weeks and I am pregnant with non identical twins. They both showed signs of echogenic bowels. Everything else looked completely normal. Should I be worried and what further tests should be done?
Brief Answer:
You need further evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
Congratulation! for your pregnancy.
Isolated echogenic bowel is normal finding in 70% cases and associated with normal outcome is 75% cases.
But it can be associated with some diseases like Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, cytomegalovirus infection and intraamniotic haemorrhage.
Then it needs evaluation.
- Triple marker test for Down syndrome.
- Torch serology test for CMV infection.
- Cystic fibrosis carrier testing for cystic fibrosis.
- Tertiary level ultrasound if facility available.
- Genetic counselling.
In your case Down syndrome should be rule out( your age is 35) and CMV infection.
1) So you need triple marker test, TORCH test and cystic fibrosis carrier testing ( if available)
2) You should go for repeat ultrasound after 4 weeks( second level ultrasonography )
3) Amniocentesis ( only if your treating doctor suggest)
If your testing results are negative then there is no need to worry.
Hope I have answered your query if you have further questions I will be happy to help you.
Good luck.
Regards
Dr. Richa
You need further evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
Congratulation! for your pregnancy.
Isolated echogenic bowel is normal finding in 70% cases and associated with normal outcome is 75% cases.
But it can be associated with some diseases like Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, cytomegalovirus infection and intraamniotic haemorrhage.
Then it needs evaluation.
- Triple marker test for Down syndrome.
- Torch serology test for CMV infection.
- Cystic fibrosis carrier testing for cystic fibrosis.
- Tertiary level ultrasound if facility available.
- Genetic counselling.
In your case Down syndrome should be rule out( your age is 35) and CMV infection.
1) So you need triple marker test, TORCH test and cystic fibrosis carrier testing ( if available)
2) You should go for repeat ultrasound after 4 weeks( second level ultrasonography )
3) Amniocentesis ( only if your treating doctor suggest)
If your testing results are negative then there is no need to worry.
Hope I have answered your query if you have further questions I will be happy to help you.
Good luck.
Regards
Dr. Richa
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Thank you for the answer.
Are we more likely to have two babies with abnormalities because we had ivf with icsi?
Would it be unlikely that two non identical twins have Down's syndrome ?
Thank you
Are we more likely to have two babies with abnormalities because we had ivf with icsi?
Would it be unlikely that two non identical twins have Down's syndrome ?
Thank you
Brief Answer:
You are most welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sorry! for delayed response.
1. Yes! chances of congenital abnormalities may be more after IVF and ICSI.
2. Yes! in non identical twins one twin can be affected by Down syndrome and other may not.
Hope I have answered your query if you want to ask more questions then I feel happy to answer you.
Pease revert back to me with your reports if you feel so.
Good luck.
Regards
Dr. Richa
You are most welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sorry! for delayed response.
1. Yes! chances of congenital abnormalities may be more after IVF and ICSI.
2. Yes! in non identical twins one twin can be affected by Down syndrome and other may not.
Hope I have answered your query if you want to ask more questions then I feel happy to answer you.
Pease revert back to me with your reports if you feel so.
Good luck.
Regards
Dr. Richa
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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