ABSTRACT
Dilation of the fetal gallbladder can be normal and should not be diagnosed as pathologic with only one ultrasound examination. Comparison with normal fetal measurements of length, width, and area may be helpful in the evaluation of such dilation. Viscous, echogenic bile, or sludge can be seen occasionally within the fetal gallbladder, and has been associated with fetal hepatitis, as well as maternal cholelithiasis and cholestasis. Fetal gallstones have been reported on prenatal ultrasound examination. Like gallstones in children or adults, they are mobile and echogenic; however, they may not cast acoustic shadows. No specific abnormality has been consistently associated with fetal gallstones. Cystohepatic ducts are fetal communications between the gallbladder and the intrahepatic biliary ducts. Though little is known about the fetal gallbladder, familiarity with anomalies of position, size, and shape can be helpful in the evaluation of cystic fetal abdominal masses. Fetal sludge and gallstones are rarely seen, but generally can be followed conservatively with postnatal sonography.
