Closed gastroschisis: Antenatal and postnatal features

Four cases of antenatally diagnosed gastroschisis are described in whom there was significant closure of the abdominal wall defect around the prolapsed midgut. In 2 cases this resulted in near-total midgut infarction and short bowel syndrome. In a further case there was entry and exit jejunal and colonic atresia and significant midgut damage but some viability of extrabdominal bowel. In the final case, although there was complete closure of the ring around the base of the midgut, no intestinal loss had occurred. In the latter 2 cases, serial antenatal ultrasound imaging had shown development of intrabdominal bowel dilatation prompting early preterm delivery. Three of these infants currently are alive and well. The authors suggest the use of the term closed (or closing) gastroschisis to describe this phenomenon. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.