The size and position of an anterior abdominal wall defect, its conten
ts, and its association with other anomalies are features that can be
diagnosed in utero with ultrasound and that allow a differential diagn
osis to be made, The correct prenatal diagnosis is extremely important
for patient management, The key feature for sonographically distingui
shing these conditions is the position of the defect in relation to th
e umbilical cord insertion, Omphaloceles and pentalogy of Cantrell usu
ally involve a midline defect at the umbilical cord insertion. Gastros
chisis most frequently consists of a small, right-sided paraumbilical
defect, Eccentric, large lateral defects are typically present in limb
-body wall complex or amniotic band syndrome, Bladder and cloacal exst
rophy involve the infraumbilical region, In addition, the size of the
defect, the organs eviscerated, the presence of membranes or bands, an
d any associated abnormalities help determine the correct diagnosis, I
ncreased knowledge of these uncommon fetal conditions should result in
better detection, more accurate diagnosis, and improved management of
anterior abdominal wall defects.