Gastroschisis vs. Vesicointestinale Fissure (Cloacal Exstrophy)

Gastroschisis vs. Vesicointestinale Fissure (Cloacal Exstrophy)

Left picture: Here a huge gastroschisis is present. Right picture: The diagnosis in this case is a vesicointestinal fissure (=cloacal exstrophy) which includes in the cleft process intestine (in the middle), bladder (on both sides), and external genitals (at the bottom). In addition, an omphalocele with epithelization is present at the bottom for comparison.

In both neonates grotesque findings are present in an abdominal cavity which is open to the outside. Left picture: The intestinal loops are grotesquely dilated; the sagittal diameter of the package is three times as big as that of the abdominal cavity. Right picture: A prolapse of two masses is visible covered by a mucous membrane which flank a central prominence with double structure. Above the midline structure a prominence covered with thin skin and at the bottom two halves of a scrotum with a broad penis-like structure are recognizable; the latter is bent upward analogously as in the picture at the bottom for comparison.