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Resolution of unilateral fetal hydrothorax with associated non‐immune hydrops after intrauterine thoracentesis
Author(s) -
Aguirre O. A.,
Finley B. E.,
Ridgway L. E.,
Bennett T. L.,
Cowles T. A.
Publication year - 1995
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.1469-0705.1995.05050346.x
Subject(s) - thoracentesis , medicine , hydrothorax , surgery , obstetrics , pleural effusion , radiology , ascites
Congenital hydrothorax has been successfully managed in utero by two different treatment modalities: thoracentesis and pleuroamniotic shunting. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of data as to which method is better for the management of this problem. This case report supports the use of thoracentesis as the initial procedure for primary fetal hydrothorax. We report a pregnancy complicated by primary fetal hydrothorax with non‐immune hydrops that completely resolved after two thoracenteses in the early third trimester. Complete resolution was maintained throughout pregnancy without the need for further antenatal or neonatal intervention, i. e. further thoracentesis, pleuroamniotic shunt placement, intubation, or chest and/or abdominal tube placement. The child was delivered at 42 weeks and is doing well without problems at 1 year of age. We believe that intrauterine thoracentesis should be the initial procedure of choice for the treatment of primary fetal hydrothorax with mediastinal shaft, and pleuroamniotic shunting should be reserved for cases that require repetitive thoracenteses. Copyright © 1995 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology