Fetal hydrops at 12 weeks gestation

Fetal hydrops at 12 weeks pregnancy:

Ultrasound imaging findings usually seen in hydrops fetalis or fetal hydrops:

* Edema around fetal head and body. This is the most characteristic finding of hydrops fetalis. The edema can be seen as thickening of the skin, particularly around the head, neck, and back.

* Ascites. This is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. It can be seen as a large fluid-filled area between the liver and the abdominal wall.

* Pleural effusion. This is the accumulation of fluid in the space around the lungs. It can be seen as a fluid-filled area between the lungs and the chest wall.

* Pericardial effusion. This is the accumulation of fluid around the heart. It can be seen as a fluid-filled area around the heart.

* Polyhydramnios.  This is the accumulation of excessive amniotic fluid. It can be seen as a large amount of fluid around the fetus.

* Placental enlargement. The placenta may be enlarged due to the increased blood flow associated with hydrops fetalis.

How to differentiate hydrops fetalis from cystic hygroma:

Other conditions that appear similar to hydrops fetalis:

The prognosis: for fetal hydrops depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, the hydrops can be managed successfully and the fetus can be delivered alive. However, in other cases, the hydrops is fatal and the fetus dies in utero or shortly after birth.

The management: of fetal hydrops depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, treatment may involve intrauterine transfusions, surgery, or other interventions. In other cases, the only option may be to terminate the pregnancy.

Additional information about fetal hydrops:

* Hydrops fetalis is a serious condition that can affect the fetus at any stage of pregnancy.

* The most common causes of hydrops fetalis are immune hydrops, non-immune hydrops, and congenital infections.

* The symptoms of hydrops fetalis can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, common symptoms include edema, ascites, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, polyhydramnios, and placental enlargement.

Causes of fetal hydrops:

The causes for fetal hydrops at 12 weeks include:

• Immune hydrops. This is a type of hydrops that occurs when the mother's blood contains antibodies that attack the fetus's red blood cells.
• Non-immune hydrops. This is a type of hydrops that occurs due to an underlying medical condition in the fetus, such as a heart defect, chromosomal abnormality, or infection.
• Congenital infections. Some congenital infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, and rubella, can cause hydrops fetalis.
• Chromosomonal abnormalities. Some chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome and Turner syndrome, can cause hydrops fetalis.
• Heart defects. Some heart defects, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome and transposition of the great arteries, can cause hydrops fetalis.
• Lymphatic disorders. Some lymphatic disorders, such as congenital lymphatic dysplasia, can cause hydrops fetalis.

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Hydrops fetalis ultrasound imaging

(Images in this case study are courtesy of Dr Golam)