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Isolated pericardial effusion in the human fetus: a report of three cases
A Azancot1, R Diehl, S Dorgeret
1Perinatal Cardiology, Hôpital Robert Debré, 48 boulevard Serurier, 75019-Paris, France. annabelle.azancot@rdb.ap-hop-paris.fr
Insights
Isolated fetal pericardial effusion can stem from various causes, including genetic conditions like trisomy 21 and rare disorders, but may also resolve spontaneously. This highlights the diverse range of fetal pericardial effusion etiologies.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Cardiology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Fetal pericardial effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac surrounding the fetal heart.
- Understanding the diverse etiologies and outcomes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- Doppler fetal echocardiography was utilized to diagnose pericardial effusion in three fetuses.
- Etiological factors were identified in two of the three cases through advanced imaging techniques.
Findings:
- Case 1: Pericardial effusion associated with trisomy 21 and a myeloproliferative disorder.
- Case 2: Pericardial effusion as an early sign of autosomal recessive idiopathic infantile arterial calcification.
- Case 3: Spontaneous resolution of a significant pericardial fluid collection was observed.
Implications:
- Isolated fetal pericardial effusion presents a broad spectrum of underlying causes.
- Etiologies range from severe chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders to transient, self-resolving conditions.
- This underscores the need for comprehensive etiological investigation in cases of fetal pericardial effusion.
Objective:
Our objective was to determine the possible underlying etiologies and outcome in isolated fetal pericardial effusion.
Methods:
Doppler fetal echocardiography allowed the diagnosis of pericardial effusion in three patients and revealed the etiology in two.
Results:
We present the findings in three cases of isolated pericardial effusion. In the first, the pericardial effusion was a manifestation of trisomy 21 associated with a myeloproliferative disorder. In the second, the pericardial fluid collection was the first sign of an autosomal recessive disease, idiopathic infantile arterial calcification. The third case was remarkable because of the spontaneous resolution of a large pericardial fluid collection.
Conclusion:
Isolated fetal pericardial effusion covers a wide spectrum of etiologies from severe genetic and chromosomal diseases to transient forms.