Gastroschisis

• small split in ventral abdominal wall
• usually to right of umbilicus
• no associated anomalies
• due to intrauterine vascular accident or asymmetry in lateral body wall folds with failure of fusion
• seen in mothers < 20 years
• serious complications: short bowel syndrome, liver disease due to intestinal failure or dysmotility, necrotizing enterocolitis

imaging

• bowels floating in amniotic fluid
• diagnosis early in second trimester
• no covering membrane
• complicated or complex: intestinal atresia or stenosis, bowel perforation, volvulus or necrosis
• amniotic fluid exposure of bowel causes thick fibrous peel coating the bowel
• upper GI studies post repair: gastroesophageal reflux, small bowel dilatation, prolonged transit time. malrotation common