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Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Transuterine Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Model in Mice
Published on: February 5, 2021
Isolated hypoplasia of abdominal wall muscles associated with fetal ascites
Laura Travan1, Samuele Naviglio2, Gabriele Cont1
1Division of Neonatology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Italy.
Abstract:
We report the case of an infant born after parvovirus B19-induced fetal hydrops, who presented at birth with bilateral abdominal wall laxity, which was more evident on the flanks. Imaging exams revealed congenital hypoplasia of oblique abdominal muscles not associated with other anatomical abnormalities except for small liver calcifications. We review the medical literature and identify similar cases associated with fetal ascites. We propose that isolated hypoplasia of abdominal wall muscles can be associated with fetal ascites from various causes, and represents a separate condition from prune belly syndrome.
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