Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the risk of aneuploidy, associated structural anomalies, and pregnancy outcome in the presence of prenatal double bubble sign detection.
Method: We have performed a retrospective study on ultrasound reports and pregnancy outcomes in 42 fetuses with double bubble sign examined in our ultrasound department between 1998 and 2013.
Results: Additional major defects or aneuploidy markers were present in 24 fetuses. Chromosomal abnormalities occurred in 21 cases. There were 35 live births; two pregnancies ended in intrauterine fetal demise; five patients opted for termination of pregnancy because of additional anomalies or abnormal karyotype. Postnatal or postmortem verification revealed duodenal obstruction secondary to intrinsic or extrinsic cause in 40 cases; in one case, proximal jejunal atresia was diagnosed, and one neonate had normal bowel.
Conclusions: Sonographic double bubble sign is associated with a significant rate of major anatomic defects, abnormal karyotype, and unfavorable pregnancy outcome. It is strongly indicative of duodenal obstruction.
© 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.