Fetal sigmoid colon mesentery − in relevance in fetal ultrasound application. A pilot study

Publication date: Available online 29 December 2017
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): Slawomir Wozniak, Jerzy Florjanski, Henryk Kordecki, Marzena Podhorska-Okolow, Zygmunt Domagala
IntroductionUltrasound examinations during pregnancy are routine procedures used to detect fetal congenital malformations. Ultrasound monitoring of sigmoid colon mesenterial development could be useful for early detection of subjects at risk of sigmoid colon volvulus.ObjectiveThe aim of our paper was to assess the sigmoid colon length, and sigmoid colon mesentery width and height in the late fetal period, and, using the results, to estimate the surface area of the mesocolon (in mm²) in living fetuses. Moreover, we attempted to repeat some of these measurements in living fetuses using ultrasound imaging.MethodsThe study was carried out on 209 formalin fixed human fetuses (100 female and 109 male) aged from 4th to 7th gestational months (102–203 days), with a crown-rump length of 132–342mm. The length of the sigmoid colon, as well as the height and width of its mesentery were measured. The surface area of the mesocolon was estimated. Correction for formalin induced shrinkage was applied. Pilot ultrasound examinations of live fetuses were performed.ResultsMean values of sigmoid colon length, mesenteric width and height (formalin fixed fetuses) for respective gestational ages were: month 4: 21.46±6.7mm, 6.80±2.1mm, 5.5±1.49mm; month 5: 27.32±1.2mm, 7.62±2.01mm, 7.33±2.17mm; month 6: 47.56±9.57mm, 11.68±3.8mm, 10.3±3.05mm; month 7: 56.92±17.48mm. 15.32±8 mm, 12.81±3.16mm. The surface area ranges of the sigmoid colon mesentery found for respective gestational months (intrauterine fetuses) were as follows: month 4: 33.24 − 51.95mm²; month 5: 49.63 − 77.6mm²; month 6: 106.89 − 167.15mm² and month 7: 145.69 − 272.53mm².ConclusionThe surface area of the sigmoid colon mesentery can be used as a simple parameter applied in fetal ultrasonographic evaluation. The development of the sigmoid colon accelerates in the 6th gestational month, and decelerates in the 7th gestational month. The sigmoid colon mesentery width was larger than its height between the 4th and 7th gestational months.



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