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Omphalocele embryology — MRCPCH TAS MCQ

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ModerateEmbryologyOmphalocele embryologyMRCPCH TAS

A newborn has a midline abdominal wall defect at the umbilicus covered by a membrane. The liver is partly within the sac. What is the most likely embryological explanation?

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Correct answer: D — Failure of physiological midgut herniation to return

Omphalocele results from failure of the physiologically herniated midgut to return to the abdominal cavity and is covered by a sac. Gastroschisis is typically a paraumbilical full-thickness defect without a covering membrane. The pearl is that omphalocele is more strongly associated with chromosomal anomalies than gastroschisis.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy; Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics; RCPCH Theory examination syllabi