A Rare Case of Non-immune Hydrops Fetalis

Abstract

Hydrops fetalis is a condition which is characterised by presence of excess body water as extracellular accumulation in tissues and body cavities. A case of hydrops fetalis born to a physiologically and genetically normal mother has been reported here. A 24 years old lady with 22 weeks gestation was diagnosed to have hydrops fetalis during her routine scan at Department of Gynaecology. Ultrasonograpy showed single intrauterine gestation of 20 weeks 5 days with gross fetal ascites, subcutaneous edema, bilateral pleural effusion and multiloculated cystic area in the neck region. However, fetal heart was active, heart rate was regular and four chamber view of heart indicated normal anatomy of heart. Termination of pregnancy was done. A dead baby with non-immune fetal hydrops was delivered. Diagnosis of a case of hydrops fetalis is made. Significance of early diagnosis of non-immune fetal hydrops is discussed in detail.

Keywords

• congenital anomalies
• cystic hygroma
• cystic lesions of placenta
• subcutaneous fluid accumulation