Evaluation and screening ultrasonic signs in the diagnosis of fetal biliary cystic malformation

Objective: To evaluate and screen for fetal biliary cystic malformation (BCM) associated-ultrasonic key signs or sign-combinations. Methods: Thirty cases of fetal abdominal cysts were investigated, followed up and divided into BCM and non-BCM groups. Expression rates of seven fetal BCM-associated ultrasonic signs in the two groups (A: the cyst was located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, B: located beneath the porta hepatis, C: having no septum, D: not the gallbladder, E: connected to the gallbladder, F: connected to the hepatic ducts, G: its inferior portion ended in the epigastric region, anterior to the spinal column) were compared. The diagnostic efficacy of single signs and sign-combinations was evaluated by diagnostic test. Results: The expressions of Sign A and Sign D had no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Single sign of B, F and G had diagnostic efficacy. The diagnostic index of B reached 1.8571. The diagnostic index of the sign-combinations B and D, F or G, and E or F or G reached 2.0000. Conclusion: When the fetal cyst was located beneath the porta hepatis and was not the gallbladder, BCM could be diagnosed. Sign G might be another significant ultrasonic sign in BCM prenatal diagnosis.