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Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of fetal candida infection: a complication of a retained intrauterine contraceptive device
Author(s) -
Silver D. A. T.,
Ashworth M. T.,
Andrews H. S.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.1994.04020154.x
Subject(s) - medicine , echogenicity , hydrops fetalis , fetus , ascites , pregnancy , differential diagnosis , ultrasound , gestation , complication , obstetrics , abdominal pain , chorioamnionitis , radiology , surgery , pathology , genetics , biology
A 32‐year‐old woman was referred complaining of abdominal pain and bleeding at 18 weeks' gestation. The striking finding on ultrasound examination was of symmetrically enlarged echogenic fetal lungs. In addition, mediastinal compression, increased echogenicity of the kidneys and bowel, an enlarged liver of decreased echogenicity, and hydrops fetalis, as evidenced by ascites and skin edema, were all present. The differential diagnosis included upper respiratory tract obstruction and cystic kidney disease. The presence of fetal hydrops together with the other findings suggested a poor outcome, and on these grounds therapeutic abortion was recommended and performed. Subsequent postmortem findings explained all the ultrasound abnormalities on the basis of extensive fetal candida infection. The presence of a retained intrauterine contraceptive device was considered to be the likely cause and the implications of this, together with the ultrasound abnormalities and differential diagnoses, are discussed. Copyright © 1994 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology