Fetal pancreatic hyperechogenicity may be an early ultrasonographic sign of gestational diabetes mellitus

Aim: To determine whether fetal pancreatic echogenicity assessment is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a cohort of 160 pregnant women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies. Fetal ultrasonography was performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation for conventional fetal biometry. Based on their pancreatic sonogram results, subjects were divided into two groups, that is, hyperechogenic pancreas group and iso-moderate echogenic pancreas group. Birth characteristics (mode of delivery) and fetal outcomes (gestational age at birth, fetal gender, birth length and weight, Apgar for 1. Versus 5. Minutes) were recorded and the relationship between pancreatic hyperechogenicity and the presence of GDM was assessed. Results: Sixty-six cases with hyperechogenic pancreas (group 1) and 70 cases with iso-moderate echogenic pancreas (group 2) were included to the study. There were no significant differences in maternal demographic and obstetric features between the groups. Fetal birth weight and length were significantly higher in the hyperechogenic pancreas group (p < .0001, p = .013; respectively). Hyperechogenic pancreas was significantly and positively associated with GDM risk. Hyperechogenic pancreas was significantly and positively associated with an increased GDM risk by 29.8 times compared to grade 1 isoechogenic group (p < .0001). Conclusion: An accurate prediction model for GDM among pregnant women via hyperechogenic pancreas may be created. Fetal hyperechogenic pancreas may be used as a complementary biomarker for the detection of pregnant women suspected of GDM.