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Journals / İstanbul Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 89 Sayı: 3

Clinical Implications and outcome of non‐visualization of fetal gallbladder: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Esra Selvi(SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, İSTANBUL BAŞAKŞEHİR ÇAM VE SAKURA ŞEHİR SAĞLIK UYGULAMA VE ARAŞTIRMA MERKEZİ, CERRAHİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, KADIN HASTALIKLARI VE DOĞUM ANABİLİM DALI)0000-0003-0182-8988
Ercan Ayaz(SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, İSTANBUL BAŞAKŞEHİR ÇAM VE SAKURA ŞEHİR SAĞLIK UYGULAMA VE ARAŞTIRMA MERKEZİ, DAHİLİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, RADYOLOJİ ANABİLİM DALI)0000-0003-2726-2097
Merih Çetinkaya(SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, İSTANBUL BAŞAKŞEHİR ÇAM VE SAKURA ŞEHİR SAĞLIK UYGULAMA VE ARAŞTIRMA MERKEZİ, DAHİLİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, ÇOCUK SAĞLIĞI VE HASTALIKLARI ANABİLİM DALI)0000-0002-7344-8637
Hakan Erenel(SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, İSTANBUL BAŞAKŞEHİR ÇAM VE SAKURA ŞEHİR SAĞLIK UYGULAMA VE ARAŞTIRMA MERKEZİ, CERRAHİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, KADIN HASTALIKLARI VE DOĞUM ANABİLİM DALI)0000-0001-7583-5385
Pages
206–210
Publication Date
2026-08-14
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

In contrast, non-isolated NVFGB is associated with poorer outcomes, underscoring the prognostic importance of associated anomalies for prenatal counseling and clinical decision-making.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prenatal characteristics and postnatal outcomes of fetuses with non-visualization of the fetal gallbladder (NVFGB) and to assess the prognostic significance of associated anomalies.
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Key Findings & Data:Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 25 pregnancies diagnosed with NVFGB between November 2020 and May 2025.
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Conclusion & Impact:In contrast, non-isolated NVFGB is associated with poorer outcomes, underscoring the prognostic importance of associated anomalies for prenatal counseling and clinical decision-making.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:2020 Verileri
⚙️Variables:nonvisualized fetal gallbladder (NVFGB) · cystic fibrosis · prenatal ultrasound

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prenatal characteristics and postnatal outcomes of fetuses with non-visualization of the fetal gallbladder (NVFGB) and to assess the prognostic significance of associated anomalies. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 25 pregnancies diagnosed with NVFGB between November 2020 and May 2025. Cases were classified as isolated or non-isolated based on the presence of additional anomalies. Prenatal findings, genetic test results, and postnatal outcomes were collected and analyzed descriptively. Results: Isolated NVFGB was identified in 19 cases (76%), whereas 6 cases (24%) were non-isolated. Postnatal gallbladder visualization occurred in 12 (63%) of 19 isolated cases, and gallbladder agenesis was confirmed in 7 (37%). One isolated case was associated with cystic fibrosis and another with a 22q11.2 microdeletion. In the non-isolated group, pregnancy termination was performed in 2 cases (33%), and postnatal gallbladder visualization occurred in 2 (33%). Two cases (33%) of situs anomalies (one left atrial isomerism, one situs inversus totalis) were observed among fetuses with non-isolated NVFGB Conclusions: Isolated NVFGB is a significant prenatal finding that should prompt the physician to conduct detailed ultrasound evaluation and consider genetic counseling as well as the possibility of cystic fibrosis and biliary atresia. It is important to inform patients about the most likely postnatal outcomes, such as postnatal gallbladder visualization or gallbladder agenesis. In contrast, non-isolated NVFGB is associated with poorer outcomes, underscoring the prognostic importance of associated anomalies for prenatal counseling and clinical decision-making.

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Cite This Article

Selvi, E., Ayaz, E., Çetinkaya, M., Erenel, H. (2026). Clinical Implications and outcome of non‐visualization of fetal gallbladder: A Retrospective Cohort Study. İstanbul Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi, Cilt: 89 Sayı: 3, 206–210. https://doi.org/10.26650/IUITFD.1845947

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