[Ultrasonic diagnosis of nonimmune hydrops fetalis]

Possibilities of prenatal echographic diagnosis of nonimmune hydrops fetalis are described. This diagnosis has been made in 16 fetuses between 21 and 40 weeks of gestation. Cardiovascular disorders were detected in 8 of the 16 fetuses. It is emphasized that purposive echocardiographic screening to detect congenital heart diseases and arrhythmias is essential in fetuses with nonimmune hydrops. Congenital fetal malformations combined with nonimmune hydrops justify termination of pregnancy, as antenatal or early neonatal death will occur in most such cases.