Absent fetal stomach on ultrasound (differential)

Last revised by Jeremy Jones on 20 Sep 2021

Non-visualization of the fetal stomach on ultrasound can occur with various physiological as well as pathological processes. It becomes a significant sonographic observation >14 weeks of gestation (about the time the fetus begins to swallow).

Causes include:

If there is non-visualization of the fetal stomach >18 weeks, there is an 85% chance of an abnormality.

See also

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